I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, however I would love to vacation on another planet right now.
I'm under the gun at work which continues to be extremely stressful as several project deadlines are looming in February. I won't be online much until I get through this big push. I'm just hoping all the other parties involved in this huge work effort get their acts together so I can get my part done and over with. I don't want these projects bleeding into spring and summer.
I'm under the weather because stress + overtime = illness. It was bound to happen. I got hit hard by a virus and have been sick in bed all week. I'm hoping the worst is over. I don't have time to be sick.
Horse time is limited too, but I'm trying to ride once or twice a week depending on weather, health, and energy level. I only have two opportunities to ride during the winter weeks. I can ride on Saturdays if the weather is mild enough for outdoor riding. Or I can ride one evening a week when a local equestrian facility opens their indoor arena to the public.
Riding with the public is an interesting experience in itself. The arena may be packed with riders going both directions at various speeds. In a word: chaos. Unfortunately there is no arena etiquette during these public riding times. It's every rider for himself; watch out and avoid collisions. Other nights I may find myself with the entire indoor arena to myself. That is a different challenge with the eerie silence interrupted occasionally by sudden noises that are amplified by the big space. I think I'll take a radio with me to cut through the heavy silence when I find myself riding alone. I hate to ride alone!
I hope to catch up and visit your blogs this weekend since I'm still too sick to ride.
I do hope everyone and everyhorse is having a healthy and happy holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
Hi ho holidaze
2 weeks ago
You're doing well to get out and ride twice a week. I used to board with an arena--I liked it. There were the times where it was chaotic, but there was also a lot to do with your horse that you didn't have to trailer to--like team penning, roping, barrel racing--shows--training. It's much lonelier now that I have them home.
ReplyDeleteLinda, you are so right. There is a big social aspect to having horses. In fact, at the arena I go to, in addition to riders going every which way, there is always a small group of riders sitting on their stationary horses while they chit-chat. They create another obstacle for everyone to get around, but it is just part of the whole experience. There is often as much saddle-talk going on as actual riding. It's wonderful to have horses at home, but it is a challenge to get out and find people to ride with. My work schedule makes it even more challenging for me to find people on a limited riding schedule. I really enjoy the rare times when I can ride with friends. It's much more fun and safer.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you're not feeling well. Stay in bed and rest and maybe by Monday you'll feel better. Stress is the main culprit I'd guess.
ReplyDeleteThe indoor arena sounds like a good idea in bad weather. I'm surprised the have no rules about rider etiquette. You'd think they would just to insure a better average of no one getting hurt.
Thanks Grey Horse. I'm starting to feel human today. Hopefully this bug will die off as fast as it came on.
ReplyDeleteBasic traffic rules would be nice. I haven't seen any wrecks, but the aggressive riders kind of take over the place and the rest of us just try to stay out of their way.
I am so sorry to hear you are under pressure at work and not feeling well. I hope both let up soon! That is great that you are fitting in your riding. Very important for keeping your sanity during stressful times.
ReplyDeleteYou probably already know this, but Brian bought me Vitamin C powder this year and I really think it worked. I always thought vitamin C was nothing but a waste of money. People would eat these vitamin C candies and I thought it was stupid. This powder that he got me, though - Wow! I was born in 1967 and I am certain that this is the very first year that I made it through the fall without a cold, sore throat, nothing. I am scared to say this because I might jinx myself. As soon as I felt even a tiny twinge of a sore throat or head cold coming on I would mix a tsp of Vitamin C powder with water. It worked!
I am glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better - but again, so sorry to hear about the stress from work. That sucks!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get out and ride on arena nights. It seems that I always end up with something on those nights. Maybe after the holidays...maybe after your Feb. deadline...maybe after we finish the Parker house...maybe....
juliette, thanks. I'm glad the Vit C is working for you. I take Emergen-C every day and I did go a really long time without a cold. I don't know where I picked up this nasty virus cuz nobody around me has it
ReplyDeleteDreaming...there is never enough time. Life keeps getting busier and busier. And the holidays complicate things. Yep...next year, we'll have more time to ride. (fingers crossed)
About six months ago I started riding with a group once a week and it has made a world of difference! Not only the comraderie, but also just being able to watch other people do the same tasks that I am being asked to do and learn from that has been very rewarding. Winter is a challenging time if you don't have access to a covered arena, this I can relate to! Take care of yourself, I too am under the gun at work and sometimes we lose track of how important WE are.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you aren't feeling well, and have so many things to do at the same time! It's unfair- like a Murphy's Law of illness: it only happens when you are up to your ears in other things! Glad you are able to ride when you can. Take care.
ReplyDeleteDonna, that is wonderful that you have a group to ride with weekly. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan. I'm hoping to feel strong enough to ride later this week. I'm getting my Christmas tunes ready to sing to Misty while I ride. ;-)
Oh No! Feel better soon Once Upon !!! Hope you relax a bit over the Holiday =)
ReplyDeleteBoarding/public arena's are interesting aren't they. Chaos is a good description!
When I ride alone (more often then not) I have radio, and sing along to what ever it is. I also ride to the tempo of the music.
Hope you are feeling better much soon and the pressures back off - Working is a good thing, until you throw in the holidays, weather, social obligations etc. !
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll get better, and that things will ease up in the new year.
ReplyDeleteA peaceful and relaxing Christmas to you, Once Upon, and a Happy new Year!