Getting back into a groove

Being "funemployed" (great term, Megan!) has really been cramping my style. I'm a type A do-all-the-things sort of person. Having large expanses of open time seems to break my brain.

I need a job, guys.

Until then, I've been organizing the new house, buying an arranging furnishings, and exploring my new neighborhood. I've already discovered riding is going to be a major time investment, especially if I end up employed downtown. It's easily an hour drive with traffic, and then a couple of hours at the barn. I'm working on discovering shortcuts. Unfortunately those explorations have caused me to become lost during rush hour traffic a couple of times.

The swearing coming out of my mouth when stuck in traffic. It blisters the ears.

Part of my drive offers this surreal view... feels like you are driving into OZ or something.

I'm also working on getting lessons set up. My barn has a ton of resident trainers, and I plan to audit and take a few experimental lessons with a few in order to suss out which one is the best fit for Pig and I. I have few recommendations, and have watched a few lessons. Fingers crossed this process doesn't take too long. I need to get back into a program with instruction!

Pig has actually been working great. The footing here is impeccable, and I think that's helped his dainty feet and arthritic joints immensely. He's springy, opinionated, and sound. I both love and hate it. His opinions have started to get a little out of hand. There's nothing more embarrassing than introducing yourself and your "schooling 3rd" thoroughbred to a new group of riders as your horse backs down the length of the arena refusing to turn right or go nicely into contact.

Oh, Pig.

At least he's still pretty ... ;)

Right now our rides seem to flip back and forth between great and horrible. One day great, the next horrid. I can't help but assume he's getting a little sore and tired on the 2nd day, but I'm positive that isn't all of it. You guys know Pig. He's a moody bastard horse, and this is just normal.

I'm sure part of the problem is my jello-like abs. I have the weakest abs right now, as moving doesn't really give you time to get in killer workouts (unless you count carrying 10,000 items up and down stairs and scrubbing rental kitchens...). This is making the sitting trot extremely hard, especially as Pig has gotten 10x bouncier. I am not an elegant rider right now, and my picky horse would like me to get back to work...


So anyway. That's your update. I won't promise my writing will come more regularly, but I'll try. Today I should be finishing up my office. That'll help. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just skip out and go to the Folger Shakespeare Library instead....