Resident of Blog Town, USA

Why hello, faithful readers (all 5 of you). Long time since I've posted a life update, from the looks of it, so here goes nothin'.

Life ain't half bad, these days. Although it has taken lots of effort to get writing jobs since I got home from Spain last summer, I'm pleased to say all that persistence paid off. The problem with getting writing gigs is you need clips to get a job and you need a job to get clips, so it's a catch 22 situation. Networking is the way to get noticed, too, because sending out emails to random people generally is a no-go situation.
Then, of course, the economy can bite you in the rear when you know you can contribute. Exhibit A: The Acorn newspaper, where I wrote for 3 summers in a row (2 as an intern, one as freelance) wouldn't take me back because they were firing not hiring. Sad face. But if there's one thing I am, it's stubborn, relentless, and unwilling to give up when I know I'm right. Geez, even if I think I'm wrong, I will go out of my way to prove otherwise. Debate skillz, I haz them. My plan is to go back to The Acorn office, brings my new clips, my updated resume, and have a chit chat with the managing editor or one of the editors I worked with, before, and hitch myself back to that wagon. I really enjoy writing the local stuff, and for the weekly newspapers, especially. The way I write, I like to let things simmer in the backburner of my brain rather than turn something around instantaneously. I mean, I can do both, but there's a method to my madness.

Writing for PhelpsSports.com has been a lot of fun. I've been going to Blenheim EquiSports events almost exclusively, and I just love their management.

VIP table (hehe!) at the last World Cup qualifier

A Blenheim banner in the Grand Prix field


It has been awesome getting to meet all these top riders, course designers, and trainers. Not only has it been great to write about what happens, but I've been using my inquisitive nature to pick their brains about just about anything. Lesson #1: people love to talk about themselves (exhibit A: this blog). I use that to my advantage when I'm talking to people and I try to form relationships where I can go back to the same people over and over again. Try, anyway. Yep. Certain riders, in particular, have been extremely helpful in helping me learn the ropes of how the Grand Prix are run, what the courses are like (I have a new-found respect for course designers), and just so many things that it would take a novel to discuss them all.

Olaf Petersen Jr.'s course for the $50,000 Orange County Register CSI-W Grand Prix


A nice side effect of covering all these events is all that I've learned has reflected in my own riding, because more insight about the sport and the horses themselves has been a huge help. Knowledge can't be underestimated in terms of personal improvement, is what I've found. I'm probably not ever gonna be a top rider (for one, lack of funds is gonna hold that dream back), but this writing stuff is at least a way to learn more, since I love horses. I can't see giving up horses even if I go bankrupt. What I may lack in talent I make up for as best I can with dedication.

Jennifer Crooks interview after she won first and second place in the $35,000 Spring Classic III Grand Prix

Susie Hutchison and Cantano, winning the $30,000 June Classic Grand Prix

A horse with a huge forelock from Hap Hansen's barn

Oh yeah, that's another thing. Trying to get more and more independent, which isn't always the easiest thing. My next goal is to move out of the 'rents house, which is gonna be huuuge overhaul into the way I've been living for the past year. It has been awesome not paying rent, mooching off the free food, mooching in lots of ways...but it really leaves me missing my independence from the 5 years I spent on my own in college and then in Spain when I was almost totally cut off from parental guidance in how I lived my life. I almost feel as though I've regressed from moving back in their house, like I'm willing to just slip back into being looked after, and I guess that's fine, but it's not as satisfying when I can live by myself. I'm also a really solitary person -- I like to be on my own, have my own space, decorate my own place, all that junk. So having my own place or at least sharing it with roommates will be a welcome change. I have to look into that soon, but I can't really afford crap right now since SoCal has to be the most expensive place in the US, which is another heap of discouragement. Bleh.

Hmmm, not the most uplifting way to end this blog entry, but nobody ever said I was a ball of sunshine. Life is good® overall, though. Hooray for that.