Walking Funny

So I've been riding twice now. I'm thankful I've done so much bike riding the last couple of years. This could have been SOOOOO much worse. Really only my adductor muscles are what's screaming at me. But boy are they screaming loud!

My boots haven't yet arrived and since their not tall anyway AND after the NASTY wound on my calf (I'll spare you a photo) from the stirrup leather & my jeans fighting, I've invested in a pair of half chaps (weird, costumers call them gators). I think they're ugly especially the pair I bought (pictured earlier) but that's what the store had to fit my gargantuan calf. Back to the ride!

Thursday went well. I felt sloppy but not all over the place. Better than alot of people riding in the background of a movie (i.e. the kid who ratted out the bad guy in "Appaloosa". it was only 2 seconds of screen time for his ride but it was ugly). Koadie is a gorgeous horse and moves nicely. We'll get on fine together. I did end up bruising the ego a bit though during my dismount. My feet hit the incredibly hard-packed dirt by the tack room & my body kept going. The ground hit me where the good Lord split me. That's still sore.

I rode again on Saturday. Half chaps, healing wound, sore adductors & butt and all. I ended up riding longer than I thought I would. I already felt an improvement so that was nice. It's amazing how much work it is when at one point in my life it was very little mental or physical work. But as Kaisara so lovingly put it (as he always does), "You're not 13 anymore."

I'm going back to the stables tomorrow after work but don't think I'll ride. I really want my wound to heal & my adductors to recover from the recent abuse.

My boots should arrive on Tuesday which will give me a little time to break them in for a ride on Thursday. I'll keep you posted!

I'm one happy girl. Am I totally blessed right out of my socks or what?!?!?

Childhood Dream Come True

It's funny when a childhood dream comes true and in what form. Funny enough for me this week it's in the form of paddock boots. Crazy, I know. But I have wanted a pair since grade school. When I was riding every weekend I had a rubber version of dress English riding boots. A gorgeous boot that leaves much to be desired when in the form of rubber. But they were a practical, inexpensive, functional solution to needing riding boots. When I was riding everyday after school I eventually saved up & got a cheap pair of leather ones that weren't nearly as gorgeous as the ones linked earlier in this paragraph. My dream was a pair of Effingham Field Boots. In my mind, the most gorgeous riding boot a girl could ever want. And one Christmas it finally happened. I got my Effinghams. Of course they were back ordered and didn't arrive for a couple months and were therefore referred to as my F-ing hams by the entire family. But they eventually showed up and they were GORGEOUS. I loved my boots. I wore them to numerous horse shows just knowing they looked awesome. I mean really, anyone wearing such a rad pair of boots had to be taken seriously as an equestrian (did I mention I was in junior high? that explains alot of this whole thing).

But if I what I wanted so bad were field boots how do paddock boots fulfil a dream? You see, those were a luxury (this is not necessarily the case just how it was in my junior high aged brain saw it). One didn't ride in paddock boots, duh. That's what tall boots were for. When one was finished riding but still mucking about the stables, one wore their paddock boots not last year's sneakers from p.e. like I did. Paddock boots were what rich, truly devoted riders had. Wow, to be like them...

I JUST ORDERED A PAIR OF PADDOCK BOOTS!!!!! They should arrive by Thursday. Here's the funny part. I ordered them because they're WAY cheaper than tall boots. Life cracks me up sometimes :-)

Here's the part that is the real story: One of my sister's coworkers needs help taking care of her sister's horse (that lives at the bottom of my hill). You mean you want me to ride & play with your gorgeous 17.2 hand bay Thoroughbred and I don't have to pay you? OKAY!

I'm so excited. Literally I'll be back in the saddle. I met the beauty boy after church on Sunday. My first ride is Thursday night. Not sure that I won't cry with joy.

Held on Tight

It's sideways but you'll get the idea. No that's not me screaming like an 8 year old.


We had a great time.

Going Sledding

After years of wanting to hit the sledding slopes, I'm heading up today! I'm taking Kaisara's mom & 2 cousins visiting from New Zeland (this is there 1st visit to the U.S. & will be their first time seeing snow). I'm excited! I'll let you know how it goes!

Close But No Cigar

I finally tallied up my mileage for 2008. I knew I was short. I was smoking the first 2/3 of the year & then hit the brakes. Flat tire, getting a cold, rain and just plain not riding my bike is what caused me to loose my lead.

My goal was 700 miles. I did 661.5. That's not bad. That's almost 100 more miles than last year. 661.5 is also a very modest total. That doesn't include any day-to-day walking around (of which my job has alot). I feel good about my 661.5.

My 2009 goal is the same; 700. I'll make it this year.

Eat my dust!

Sicky Part II

I'm a bit better. Despite going into tech this week I skipped out on work today. I figured I wouldn't be able to be very productive and I KNOW they don't want my coodies. We'll see how tomorrow goes. I'll keep you posted.

Sicky

I've got a cold. Me no happy. Every day and a half is a new symptom. They're not adding on to one another. Just switching out with each other so that's good. Still pretty horrible though. Today is the day of no voice. I hate being sick. I hate being allergic to cold medicine.

My sis is on her way with soup. Yeah, she's pretty much the best. Kaisara & Daryl brought me soup earlier today. Sure wolfed it down for not being hungry.

I repeat, I hate being sick.

If You're A Member, Go Comment

Hey! One of my baubles has been included in an Etsy treasury! Click here to check it out while it lasts. If you're an Etsy member (it's totally free), sign in & comment on the treasury. The more comments, the more etsy admin notices the treasury & the more likely it is that I could be on the front page.

Thanks for indulging me!

Baubles Galore!

Many of you who read this blog already have one of my awesome baubles. You are not my target market (sorry). But you know people who need a great little gifty idea. Hostess gifts, company gift exchange, whatever. Really, how many candles & cookie mix in a jar does one need?

Tell your peeps who need a little somethin' to stop by my shop. I've recently added a bunch of new baubles that are lookin' for good homes.

Market me people!

Dancin' Machines

Yeah that's right. After a summer of not much dancing Kaisara & I have both jumped in with both feet. We started a West Coast series on Thursday nights where we've been taking the beginning (mostly a review) and the intermediate (holy cow that's some new territory!) classes. Most weeks we've even been staying for the dance afterwards just to cement our new moves into our little brains.

Two Saturdays ago we took a beginning Lindy Hop intensive course that was over 3 hours of class. It was a blast! We were totally tuckered by the end of it but we learned alot. Not many new moves but how to do them better & all the more important how to link them together. It was great!

I think we're going to be brave & try the intermediate Lindy class this Tuesday. Hopefully our toes (and egos) won't be too bruised after that experience.

In these last few dance filled weeks I've learned something about myself as far as dancing goes....I'm not very good. I can do coreography & be where you want me on what count you want me there. But social dancing? Not so good. Poor Kaisara has to lead me with an iron fist. He practically has to shove me around (& I've almost eaten it a time or two). But I'm learning to read his lead & he's learning to lead. So that's good.

The best part is we sure are laughing alot. Sometimes at each other. Sometimes at "us" being total goof balls. I think the teachers get a kick out of us and we really try not to be too disruptive but come on people, we're supposed to be having fun! Most of our classmates are so stoic & serious. I've been wearin' one of the most stoics down though. He's smiling now!

So we're having fun. We're learning alot. We don't look like much other than a couple having a great time with one another while trying not to fall down or knock each other out.

Oh Yeah. You Don't Know This Yet.

I've been meaning to post this but then think of myself as being a little narcissitic. Then I think I'll post it anyway & then I forget. Thus is the cycle of the Cate brain. I've started a Lucky Zelda blog. Not much goes on there but I'm trying. Anything to increase traffic of buyers to the shop ya' know. Anyway, I occassionally post things there Etsy related so if you'd like stop by from time to time.

Oh yeah, here's the link.

Pheww!

Wow! I'm glad that's over!

Yesterday was the big craft faire up in Claremont. It was crazy hot with no breeze but I had a good time. Lots of family & friends made the trek to stop by & say "hi" & encourage me. Priceless.

After the price of my booth & my sales I took home just over $250 so that's cool. I sold more than I ever have at a show (which was $0). So it was a good day & I'm glad I did it.

Thanks to everyone who supported me by stopping by with a smile, buying things (you're bad), letting me crash at your place, etc, etc. I love you guys!

Almost Here

The big shoe (as Ed Sullivan would call it)is this Saturday, October 25th. Some of you have expressed an interest in attending so I thought I'd give you my info.

I (We actually. I'm sharing a booth with another Etsian) will be in booth #494 which is located near the intersection of Bonita & Harvard Avenues in downtown Claremont. The show is open from 9am to 5pm rain or shine (I'm praying for shine!).

There's absolutely no pressure but if you do end up going to the show please stop by to say "Hey!"

More Famouser By The Minute

Check out this slideshow. The Orange County Register came & took some photos in our shop last week.

Irritated/ing

I'm finding that when people as a whole are irritating me I'm actually irritated with myself. I hate that.

Totally Hooked!

So I'm a little slow. I've been hearing about it for years. Daryl & Bronwen are both total geeks about the show. I've been hearing about it from Daryl while hanging out & from Bronwen at work. You'd think it would have happened sooner but I just watched it. BATTLESTAR GALATICA IS AWESOME!!! I love me some science fiction. I wish I could go back to the conversations of Daryl talking about it & now it would make sense & I'd get a glimpse of what is to come (and to be honest, I'd care a little more).

I borrowed Daryl's season one DVD's and blasted through them (though not as quickly as Kaisara). I could do without what I consider too graphic sex scenes. Adds nothing to the show other that "Man! I don't need to see that!!!" being said (not every episode). Other than that I've no complaints. It's exciting, good entertainment.

Now I've just gotta pry season two outta Dana's house.

Supporting Boobs

Yep. Today was the day. Today Team Galatians 6:10 participated in its 3rd Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure.

New to the team this year was Kathy, Ursula & our youngest member at 4 months of age, baby Avea. After a year off (of racing not supporting) Kathy & Becca returned to race with us. And three year veteranos Cat & I returned.

The weather was great. The event was awesome. The company couldn't have been better.

If by chance you're sad because you hadn't a chance to donate, buck up! You still can. Donations are being accepted until October 17th. Just click right here & you too can support boobs. Come on, whether you got 'em or not, I know you like 'em!

Sewin' Like a Crazy Person

Haven't had much time to post. I guess I've been sewing lots to take that time up. But come to think of it, I've been doing all of my sewing at work. I've been getting there early to sew on my purses & am sure to bring my lunch so I can eat quicker & have time to sew while still on my break. All of this to get ready for the giant craft show a little over a month from now. Anyway, I guess that doesn't explain my lack of posting. Perhaps I've not much to share. So in true Cate fashion I'll give you a list. Stream of conciousness of what's been on my mind:

Super excited Sharon's parents are soon to be here permanently.
Thankful that Emma's had her trach out for over a week & is doing great.
My workroom is a total disaster & I've been trying to make a dent in the mess.
Been sewing alot not knowing if it will sell.
Dana & Jeremey find out this week if it's a boy or girl. I'm betting boy.
Kaisara's cute, huh?
Nina the Ninja Kittie is feeling much better after a nasty kidney infection.
I'm glad summer Bible study is over & can't wait for Marci's study to start.
I miss Dani.
I wanna go dancin'. Haven't been in months, literally.
We (and by "we" I mean Kaisara) are going to install a ceiling fan in my workroom.
I gotta get started on Daryl's drapes. The elusive traverse rod is finally in possesion.
Sent Melanie off to South Africa for a year via Oregon for 4 months. Sad face/happy face.
Feel blessed that Daddy's feeling better but am still scared of the unknown. That's great for the prayer life though.
Start a HUGE show at work on Monday.
I should eat breakfast now.

I'm in! Come Up & Shop!

Several of you know, many may not. Back in June I sent an application to be a vendor at a huge craft show in the fall. I got a fellow etsian to share a booth with me 'cause the booth fee was crazy expensive & we sent in our applications & photos of our goods. We got in! It's the Village Venture in downtown Claremont.

It's a crazy big show. It's the 27th annual where last year 25 THOUSAND people walked through this thing. I'm excited. I'm scared. I've never done well at craft shows. I've never really sold a thing actually. If I don't sell anything at this one, I'm done with them. Now I've just gotta build up my inventory in hopes to sells some goods!

Here's a link to the show's sight. I'll post more info when the event's closer.

Gotta sew!

A Month To Go & Still Behind

I can't believe September's almost here. How did that happen?

I just got a reminder email from Susan G. Komen for the Cure that the Race for the Cure is just over one month away. For a third year, I'm heading up team Galatians 6:10.

With a month to go, I'm half way to my fundraising goal & am still looking for team members who would like to join me. Here is a link to my donation page where you can either join my team or financially support my participation to help find a cure for the "C" word.