The winner's circle...

On Saturday, Hutch and I decided to go to the local "Fat & Fuzzy" horse show. By the way, the "Fat & Fuzzy" refers to the horses... not us. Just thought I should clarify.

We signed up for 9 classes and made a day of it. In the morning was English classes. I borrowed a close contact saddle and bridle from Hutch and Flash looked very dashing. And considering I hadn't been in a proper English saddle in about 6 years I didn't do too badly. We took a couple 3rds, a 4th, and a 6th.

Later in the day, we switched to Western and Flash and I did much better. We actually took a first in a Western Equitation class. I was totally blown away because there were some quality horse and riders in that class and showing is not our forte...

We had a good time though. I'm hoping that Hutch's hub got some photos I can share with you. I'll keep pestering her for them...

Too many rules?

As you all know, I am an over-thinker. Well, actually that might be an understatement. As Bff puts it, I'm the champion of over-thinking and blow all others out of the water. She might be right.

Anywho...

I'm wondering if we advancing daters are putting too many constraints on the natural progression of things? This includes myself. After all, I held Rebel at arm's length because I didn't want to be just another notch on the bedpost... and to me it takes time to make sure it's not just about sex (or not only about sex). Seemed reasonable at the time. But then it turns out I could have had something amazing much sooner. But then again, maybe things wouldn't have been as good if I had just rushed head-long into it.

See? Over-thinking again. I can't help it...

*sigh*

I have some friends that are wrestling with this problem, as well. Too much thinking, not enough doing. Or so it seems to the outside observer anyway...

Wildflower is starting to see someone new. The Detective has promise (although he might be hung up on the ex a little). But one of her rules is that he must pursue. Luckily for him, he figured this little jewel out before it was too late. But, might she have missed out on something good because he didn't conform to one of the rules? Or would it not have worked because he didn't meet that important criteria?

You see where I'm going with this?

Another friend refuses to do internet dating, preferring instead to rely on a more "organic" means of meeting men. I'm pretty sure she's been without a date for over 2 years. So it's not working very well, from what I can see. So at what point should she abandon that rule and give something new a try?

And then there is another friend of mine who was pursuing something that seemed to be headed in the right direction until the other person slammed on the brakes and demanded that there be limits to their interactions. Seemed a little harsh to me and it's very frustrating to him. After all, how is he supposed to cultivate more than a friendship if it's not allowed to grow beyond that? It seems that the other person might miss out on a good thing because it's not allowed to progress in the natural way. Or will it be more meaningful later on because it was cultivated slower?

A perplexing puzzle, no? Yes.

It's gonna be a busy year...

Already the calendar is starting to fill up. And this is not including all the little mini road trips that Rebel and I keep wandering out on.

So far on the docket:

March 3 & 4 - Weekend getaway (to destinations unknown... just in case Rebel reads this) for Rebel's birthday.

April 21 - First endurance ride of the year in Madras.

May 12 - Endurance ride in Prineville.

May 18 to 20 - Trip to Vegas with Bff to celebrate BooBoo's bachelorette party. Can't wait!!

June 16 - Endurance ride in Sunriver (and Brother #1's birthday).

July 14 - Endurance ride at Bandit Springs in the Ochoco's... my favorite ride.

July 28 to August 4 - Tahoe and BooBoo's Wedding.

August 25 - Endurance ride at Pacific Crest (this is the one ride I'm traveling for).

September 15 - Endurance ride in Brothers (maybe the last ride, weather depending).

September 27 to October 3 - HAWAII (very exciting) and celebrating my 40th (not as exciting).

October 13 or 20 - There are a couple of rides scheduled for these weekends. We'll see how Flash is feeling and how the weather is.

It's going to be a busy year. But it also should be a lot of fun.

Can't wait!!

Some people are just crazy...

Even if it is for a good cause.

Clown got brave and did the plunge. Better him than me. I'm not sure I would have made it back out of the water again.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Rising skirt hems, declining economy. Coincidence?

I think not.

Think about it.

Hemlines went from ankles to calves in the late 20's. The market collapsed and led into the Depression.

In the 40's it went from calves to just below the knees. World War II ensued.

In the 60's it went from just below the knees to above the knee. Vietnam War and serious civil unrest followed.

In the 80's it was a double-dose of bad. Skirts went to mid-thigh and were neon. That led to another market collapse and recession.

Friday night, Rebel and I were at Panda Express and in walked a preteen with a skirt that was barely covering her ass. Seriously. That thing was short.

Brace yourselves. According to the skirts, complete annihilation of the world as we know it is only moments away...

A little (OK, big) rant...

There are a few things I find annoying. Well, actually I find many things annoying. But I'm only going to blog about a few things I find annoying today.

You're welcome.

Today is about animal abuse. I loathe animal abuse. Loathe. It.

You all remember Michael Vik right? Total asshat quarterback who was seriously busted for having dogs that were involved in dog fighting on his property. The NFL threw him out. He went to jail. It was great.

And then it wasn't so great. People forgot about what an asshat he was. He got out of jail. He got his job back in the NFL. Basically it was like the animal abuse never happened. It sucked. Royally.

However, mostly I don't give Michael Vik much thought. That is until he goes on the Jim Rome show and whines about how unfair it is that his kids can't own a dog and what a lover of animals he is. I almost punched the goddamn radio it pissed me off so bad.

Seriously. Who does the douchenozzle think he is? A lover of animals? Fucktard. I hate him. And now I will never listen to Jim Rome again either.

OK... rant #1 done.

So... now I'm going to cover another thing that really ticks me off: the horse show world. And I'm including all of it except at the most local levels (and even then I've seen some major asshattery go down).

It seems that as soon as you add the element of money inevitably greed follows. And the horses lose. No breed is exempt. It's all bad all the way around...

TB's - I hate horse racing. It starts horses way too young and demands things that those immature horses are unable to provide. They should make the Kentucky Derby for 5 year olds and no horse should be allowed to race before it's actual 3rd birthday.

Who really wants to see this?

 

QH's - So much wrong with this poor breed I hardly know where to start. But let's start with HYPP. A genetic disorder that you can test for and if everyone in the breed elected to not breed an N/H or H/H horse the disease could be wiped out in no time at all. Also, breeding ridiculously muscled horses that have tiny feet and no useful purpose in the real riding world is just stupid. There's more, but I'll stop there...

Feet? What feet?

Arab's - It used to be that a slightly dished nose was enough for any arab breeder. Now most of the "popular" stallions have what looks like a ski ramp for a nose. It's crazy. I hate it. Also, Arab halter horses are made to look nuts in the show ring by zapping them with a cattle prod before they go in the ring. Disgusting. And it makes the rest of the breed look like they are all nuts. However, most Arabs are quiet and love human companionship. That certainly doesn't translate when they're getting cattle prods shoved up their butt.

Skiing anyone?

OK. I could go on and on, but I'm done with that... for now.

I just wish people would leave the greed out of everything and let the enjoyment of horses (or any animal, for that matter) be enough. The world would definitely be a better place...

Role reversal...

Don't get me wrong. Rebel is a guy's guy. He fixes stuff, works on engines, has rough hands and chest hair... he's a man.

But there are situations when I wonder just who is wearing the pants in the family.

For instance: I like football and try to watch it when I can. Rebel, on the other hand, doesn't even know the name of an NFL team. How is that even possible? When a commercial featuring LaBraun James came on the other day he didn't have a clue as to who that was.

When I moved here in August, my dad gave me $300 to buy some new clothes for my job. I have held onto that money because I am losing weight and don't want to waste it if what I buy won't fit in 2 months. Rebel mentioned to me the other day that I really need to do some clothes shopping and threatened to drag me to the stores if I didn't upgrade some portions of my wardrobe soon.

What man, in his right mind, wants to go shopping? It's hardwired into my DNA (because I am a girl, after all) and I want nothing to do with it. Shopping for horse stuff? Hell yes. For myself? Meh... I've got better things to do and spend my money on.

I guess we really are the perfect couple...

The dreaded "L" word...

Yup, that's right. I'm blogging about the "L" word.

Well, technically it's 2 words.

So, I guess I'm really blogging about the "LT" words. But that doesn't sound as catchy...

For a lot of people, Living Together is a big deal. When I was younger I kind of got this. After all, it felt like a big deal. But as I get older I have found that my opinion on the subject has changed drastically. For better or for worse, I'm not sure. I suppose it depends on which side of the family you ask...

Anyway, Jewel and Mr. Mustache have been dating for a few months. All is going really well. Both have the desire to reduce their bills. So, they have decided to move in together...

Jewel has said she's getting some flack for this. But I really don't see the issue (sorry Flip Flop, but I don't). If it works, great. If it doesn't, then you kick the bum out and find another place.

The only thing I asked her is if there was a lease. There wasn't. So, in my book all is well.

No harm, no foul...

Why are people so up in arms over this subject? I mean, I can see issues if you rush to join your bank accounts or start a family. But this is just a place to live. You can always find another one of those. Really.

Sure it may not be as nice, but that's not the point...

So, I'm giving Jewel and Mr. Mustache my blessing. Can't wait for the housewarming party :)

"The Legend" celebrates another year...

That's right. It's El Dubs birthday today...

We've had to downgrade him from the Harley.

We were afraid at his age he would hurt himself...

Happy Birthday dad!!

Horses and quads and snow... oh my!!

Again, let me just say that the weekends aren't nearly long enough. Especially when you pack as much into it as we do.

On Saturday, Rebel and I gave the quad/horse ride thing a go. It was fun. A lot of fun, actually. We tried out some new trails and Rebel was able to off-road and bush-whack just fine. Except for one crazy lady it was a really good ride (I'll get to the crazy lady in a sec).

Mom, there's something following me...

Rebel keeping pace...

Pit stop to check out the view...

Trying to get all the pups in the picture...

A nice view...

 

OK... about the crazy lady.

After Rebel and I stopped to take a break, we decided to range out a little father West than I've been as of yet. We came across a couple of nice trails and then ended up crossing a gravel road. Rebel took off to see where the gravel road went and I continued on down the old 2-track road we had been following. A ways down the road, the trail split and went a couple of different ways. Also there were some old bridge turrets (although the bridge was gone). I decided to stop there and wait and check out the cement turrets up close (the canal the bridge used to cross was dry). After about 5 minutes I heard Rebel coming down the road. At about the same time I heard what can only be described as "screeching" coming from the trail on my right.

Rebel pulled up and turned off his quad so we could chat. A second later this psycho lady ran up to Rebel and started getting in his face about riding in a non-motorized area (she was wrong). Rebel kept his cool and basically told her she was nuts and that he was on a road and was perfectly legal. She screeched at him that he was not on a road and that he was violating... well, I'm not sure what she thought he was violating. Something about ruining the desert. Anyway, at that time Rebel pointed out to her that I was standing next to the turrets of the bridge that this road used to go to. She then changed her story and said the road was from 1906 (not sure where she pulled that number from, but OK). Rebel then again pointed out to her that due to the materials and construction that the turrets weren't more than 15-20 years old. You'd think at that point she would shut up and go away, but no such luck. Instead she took Rebel's photo and threatened to turn him in. At this point I was laughing so hard that I could barely breath. Wisely she didn't address me. I've been told I have the "don't fuck with me" vibe and she wisely obeyed it.

But the funny part was she took a picture of him. Not the quad. Not the license plate on the quad. It was hilarious. She was an idiot. No doubt about it...

After that little run-in we finished our ride with no issues. We went 8 miles in just under 2 hours, which wasn't bad considering our 15 minute run-in with psycho-bitch and we also stopped about 5 miles in for about a 1/2 hour. It was a good start to getting on a training schedule.

Later that night, we left the pups behind and hopped on the quad and rode up to Cline Butte. We got a gorgeous view of the sunset and of the surrounding low-lands, but it was damn breezy up there...

Looking to the ESE and Powell Butte...

Rebel looking a little cold...

On Sunday, we loaded up the quad and the pups and decided to try to find some snow. We decided to head to the East and go up to the Ochocos National Forest.

We stopped by Steins Pillar, but there was no snow there...

So we went farther East and farther up the mountains and we finally found snow. After riding on the quad for a while, we also found a frozen lake.

Can't remember what lake this is, but it was beautiful...

Rebel forgot to bring his butane torch to start the fire, so he decided to use the heat of the quad engine instead.

No luck lighting some brush...

The kleenex was more successful...

Success!!

We all warmed ourselves by the fire...

Too bad we forgot the wieners and marshmallows.

Although we did have one Marshmallow with us. She just preferred that we didn't roast her...

Next time we need to remember the roasting stuff. Other than that, it was a perfect weekend...

Sexy and I know it...

I've never seen so many disturbing speedos in my life!!

Be afraid. Be very afraid...

Who wants to be girly, anyway?

Girly, I am not.

I've never viewed it as a fault, but maybe I need to rethink that.

I mentioned to Rebel last night that I had a skirt. "Just one?" he asked. Like you're supposed to have more than that? And then I thought about all of my girlfriend's closets. I'm pretty sure they all have more than one.

*sigh*

Is it such a bad thing that I don't like dresses or skirts? I mean what's the point? Due to massive ankle damage I can't wear high heels. So is there any point to wearing dresses? Really? After all, they are just not as sexy when you can't wear the shoes to go with, right?

I don't wear any make-up either. Another not-very-girly thing to do (although I personally think it's the reason I look pretty good at almost-40).

What can I say. I was basically raised like a boy. Being the eldest child in our little hoard of six, I think my dad was expecting... well, not a girl. He didn't know what to do with me. Then when the following 3 behind me turned out to be boys I think I was just doomed.

I do have a sister (who is a little more girly than I am, kinda) but she came along when I was 10 years old and by then it was too late. I hated pink and liked to play in the mud with trucks.

I tried to broach the idea of getting more girly by asking Rebel what we were doing for Valentine's Day. Like a typical male, he has given it no actual thought. How am I supposed to get gussied up if I have nothing to get gussied up for?

Hmmmm...

Unexpected joy...

There are those times when something just completely takes you by surprise and brings you joy. This morning was one of those mornings...

I was telling Rebel about my dilemma about soccer. They have raised the prices quite a bit to play so I was going back and forth about whether or not to sign up for another session. He asked me about endurance racing and when my first race was (which is March) and what a typical training week looked like. So I was explaining about how much I ride in a week and how I space out the training rides, etc.

And then he surprised me by suggesting that we could ride together... him on the quad and me on Flash (which Flash has no problems with). I thought it was a great idea. And one I never would have thought of. The thought of him being out there with me while I train really brought me joy... and he had lots of suggestions for places we could go and ride. I know he doesn't care much for riding horses but he does like to ride quads and this would be a good way to bridge the gap. I love it...

You know, it's true what they say.

It really is the little things in life that make it such a joy...

Full moon...

It was a short weekend.

Well, are they ever really long enough? Really?

This one just seemed shorter than normal. Probably because I didn't have 3 or 4 days off like the past few weekends. Oh well. Rebel and I did our best to make the most of it...

On Saturday, we got up late. It was nice. The horses weren't as thrilled because breakfast was late. But I enjoyed sleeping in immensely. After waffles at around noon, I headed out on the trail with PT to check out a new trail down to the river. We had a bit of success...

No river yet...

Still no river in sight...

Wait. I think I see it. Waaaay down there...

PT and Jag. Jag had his "snack" with him most of the ride...

Later that night (after a very nummy steak dinner) Rebel and I went out to check out the sunset. It was beautiful.

Almost as good as the beach...

On Sunday, Rebel and I grabbed the pups and hopped in the car and decided to take a little drive to the North. About 2 hours...

On the way to Mt. Hood we saw a dense layer of fog over the river around Warm Springs...

We stopped for a pup potty break and were treated to a beautiful view of Mt. Hood...

Once we got to Government Camp on Mt. Hood, we stopped for Breakfast/Lunch at the Huckleberry Inn. It was delicious. And rather than head back home we decided to continue North and see what we could see. And we saw a lot...

 Hey mom, there's a giant river here...

We stopped at the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. It was pretty cool... but unfortunately the fish ladders were drained so I didn't get to see any migrating fish. Oh well... next time. We did have some fun playing near the river...

 There were all kinds of rusty things to discover...

And nice views to be seen. The river was very calm...

We even spied other states. This one happened to be Washington...

That's a big sign...

And a big rock...

And the big sign, again...

Then it was time to head father west down the gorge, where we came across quite a few waterfalls.

 Horsetail Falls...

The top of Horsetail Falls...

Then we were treated to an unexpected surprise...

  
It was a gorgeous full moon rising over the river...

 

And an incredible sunset to the west...

The lighting made for some pretty interesting optical illusions...

Where does the pavement really end?

After all that, we had dinner at Calamity Jane's (really good burgers) and then headed home. It was a great day with some pretty amazing sights.

I think the lava caves are on the docket for next weekend. Can't wait...

Resolutions...

I hate this time of year. It's the time when everyone gets all motivated to make drastic changes and try to become something they are not. Or something like that, anyway...

So, in the spirit of the new year I will do the same. Only I'm shooting for goals I think I can actually reach. I think.

1. Finish The Layman's Guide to the Apocalypse. It's almost done. I had started it as a blog, but then decided I wanted it to be a book instead. Considering the mass hysteria that will probably ensue around December 21st I'm thinking this is the year to get that book off the ground.

2. Lose some more weight. Yeah, yeah. I know. It's on everyone's list. Notice I said nothing about the gym. That's because I have no intention of setting foot in one. Rebel likes to get out and hike. I'll get out and hike with him. Good 'nough...

3. Endurance race. Flash is in the best health he's been in for a long time. Time to capitalize on what he's good at. First race is in March. Time to get us both in racing shape.

4. Go to Hawaii. I'm turning 40 later this year. I want to be in Hawaii with Rebel when that happens. So, time to figure out how to make that happen.

Well, that's good enough. Any list that ends with me going to Hawaii is a complete list in my book. Good luck with your resolutions, I'm already googling condos in Hawaii...

When to say "when"...

I thought Wildflower had it made. She had finally found a good guy who treated her like the queen she is...

Until he didn't treat her like the queen she is. Then it all went badly...

And did not end smoothly (but when does it ever, really?). There was a lot of back and forth between them. And the question was posed... when is it time to just cut your loses vs. forgiving the person and giving it another go?

That, my friends, is a tough question. And one I had to really ask myself when RR and I were having difficulties. In the end I decided that the troubles we were having outweighed the good times and I felt it was time to move on. And I'm glad I did because now I am blessed to have a really great man in my life (although I'm not saying that RR wasn't a good man... we just brought out the bad in each other, unfortunately).

If Wildflower and Claw had been having smooth sailing and really good times up until the falling-out I would have told her to buck up and give it another go. But, in actuality they were having some pretty major issues. It kind of reminded me of my marriage. Sex was good at first and then dropped to nothing... and they had only been together a few months. With the departure of sex went the intimacy in the relationship as well. Again, not a good thing so early on.

With those types of troubles so early on it seemed to me it was time to call it.

But now she is back to square one and is upset about having to start over. And I get that... I do. It's not easy. Ever. But in my opinion (and Rebel's) it's for the best. Claw was never going to live up to what he billed himself to be. It's time for her to find someone who actually is that person for real... not in just their imagination.

2011 was good to me. I expect the same from 2012...

Sure there were some ups and some downs. But there were more ups than downs in 2011...

And to ring out the old year and ring in the new, Rebel and I headed to his hometown of Crescent City, CA. We left on Friday under somewhat stormy skies and were immediately greeted on the road by this...

Starting to snow...

Snowing a little bit harder...

It's really coming down now...

But it made everything look so beautiful...

And then it was clear skies on the other side of the pass...

We had packed for the long weekend by bringing every waterproof layer we owned. It turned out we didn't need it. It was gorgeous weather the whole time we were there.

On Saturday we went down to the harbor to check out the sights and the ocean...

The Sea Lions were happy to see us...

We remember the ocean...

Rebel and his mom climbing up the rock...

Rebel Sr. checking out the view from the top...

It's a long way down...

Rebel and his dad...

The girls posing on the top...

This is great, mom...

Me and the pups...

The whole fam (minus the equine)...

After that, it was off to see the giant Redwoods. They were amazing to see...

Those trees are HUGE...

Mom, we don't like it here...

It's dark and scary...

And this tree above us is huge...

Rebel and Noelle had fun climbing on the trees...

Look, mom. I'm high up...

Yeah, I'm not going up there...

Can you see me now, mom?

What's wrong with my foot?

Never mind. It's fine...

That's a long way up there...

Trying to get a good photo...

Getting pictures of Noelle on her perch...

Standing in front of the biggest tree I've ever seen...

There's a hole in this one...

There's still a hole in this one...

After that beautiful hike in the forest, we were off to the beach...

I'm on the bbbbbeeeeeeaaaaaaaacccccccchhhhhhhh...

 

Getting up the dune is a lot of work...

That's why I'm not going up there...

Pet me, damn it...

Fine. I'm outta here...

And then we took a drive through Deliverance. Can you here the banjos? I can...

After all that, we were too tired to stay up until midnight. Although the thoughtful neighbors next door made sure we didn't miss it by firing off guns and something that sounded like a canon. There was a small smooch right around midnight :)

The next day we took a drive up the river...

And then we drove up to Brookings for some good pizza. Our day finished with a beautiful sunset over the ocean. It reminded me of Lincoln City...

It was a great mini-vacation and a perfect way to kick of 2012. Here's to a great new year...