squirrel!

I think of myself as a pretty focused person, and I stay busy, all the time. I do not do down time very well (and I'm getting worse). As daylight wanes and I don't ride as much or be outside, I get a bit "squirrel!" (This is how my office describes being distracted, a classic scene from the movie "Up". Anyone who doesn't know the reference or see the linked video: you must see the movie. Cutest distracted dog ever)

Sometimes I can fit a ride in after work. Sometimes it is just too damn dark and I don't want to deal with it. So I come home and I should be on my treadmill in the living room, watching a favorite escapist movie (when on the boring treadmill I seriously watch the same cheesy movies over and over: No Escape, Reign of Fire, Dark City, Sahara, Pitch Black). Instead I create messes, I mean craft projects, throughout the house. I start one project and usually have about three more going at the same time, spread throughout the house in various stages of completion.

My recent project is not horse-related at all. (Unless you count that Kirk and Picard ride horses, both in the movie and in real life, they are so awesome). It is now hanging in my office at work, and I love it. Seriously geek stuff, and proud of it. I am also in awe of people who do models and painting. I totally do not have the patience for that. If this had taken longer than a couple days I wouldn't have done it. ("To Boldly Go" is on my emergency bracelet, I think it a fitting saying for any rider.)

in process, just a bit messy

watch out for the new Crystalline entity Enterprise!

OK, I need another project, let's go to the craft store! I should go to the grocery store too (worst thing ever, except maybe bra shopping, I have an aversion to pushing a cart, unless I'm at Home Depot).

But have you noticed how horses invade all aspects of our lives? Here is a recent (supposedly non-horse) outing:

I know, I know Christmas is coming And I know everyone complains about stuff being out too early. But seriously, I can't even look…

Look a these little rubber band things! In orange! I have enough black mane bands to last a lifetime, the bag seriously has like 10,000 bands or something. And I only do a few rides a year, which is the only time I braid, I'll never use them up. But look, these are orange! Add them to the basket.

Look at that little pony thing! Strange bridle set up. It comes with a trophy? That's some high expectations for your first show. And the kitty rider is not wearing riding clothes. Yeah, that is what is wrong with this! I would not have liked this as a kid, I liked the realistic Breyers, even if I did change all their names to names from books I'd read.

Woah, duct tape is now trendy? Oh, the possibilities.

I love these! Look at all these heads! They could fit on a helmet! How cool would that be, or at an endurance ride, or a team event! I wonder if it would freak the horses out. I could totally torment the barn. Remember this for later, I may need to be a land shark…

pile 'o projects on the desk

Oh, a paint by number, how retro and fun! Just about my painting ability. Soon it will be cold and wet and I'll be trapped inside with lots of free time. I could paint it to be Major and kitty Thomas! I'll probably have to buy some brushes and paint to match their colors too. I'll add it to the pile of projects on my computer desk.

my awesome lunchbox, however…

…sadly, an actual "lunch"

I had no food today for lunch, and had to buy crummy lunch and only take snacks and treats. Fine, I'll go to the grocery store. I hate the grocery store. Stupid cart. Too many people.

Zilco water. Hmmm, like the tack company. I really would like a new orange halter/bridle. Or maybe a sidepull. Would I get all orange, or black with orange accents? Maybe one without a browband as Major hates to get all itchy and sweaty. I like the beta biothane one I have, but maybe give the Zilco a try. Oh, wait, it's Zico coconut water. Nevermind.

Hmmm, let's get some carrots. I don't think I have carrots at home. Carrots, how much is enough? Horse says never too many, but doesn't exactly mind when he gets Nicker Maker treats either. I could make some homemade carrot treats, good to add some extra salt this time of year. Oh, I already did have a bag. How am I going to fit all these carrots in the fridge?

Ha, I forgot about this old comic buried on my fridge. Still is funny. And could be useful! Maybe I should clean off this fridge…

(Oh my. I AM my horse. I cannot be mad at Major's need for speed, his inability to do one thing consistently, his love of new trails and adventures. Do our horses resemble us, or do we resemble our horses?)

Squirrel!