Drama, Drama, Drama

I thought that mess died off as we get older. My boss as pure evidence... it does not. He was on his cell phone for at least 80% of the day going back and forth on a "he said, she said" rant from a comment made at a party he went to this weekend. Someone said something negative about someone else (imagine that) and he didn't like it and felt compelled to announce that to any within earshot. (apparently the need to do so carried over into today and whomever happened to be on the other end of the cell phone)

Amidst his heated rants and ravings I was swamped, over-loaded, chained to my desk and about to pull my hair out from the stress and insane amount of work piling up around me. You see we are a small agency. Consisting of two agents. Owner and personal slave/only other agent (that would be me).

While being a small agency can be nice and personable (the secretaries are great! and we're all like family), it can also be a tad hair raising when things get hectic and I'm the only one on track to get things done. *sigh* slaving my way up the corporate ladder amidst the drama and turmoil.

Left Lane Closed - OOPS

It have now been 9 months since they began the road construction between my house and my place of employment. 9 months... Of every day stop and go, cut throat traffic that makes my drive to work over an hour long. I admit I do get frustrated with other drivers at times, but I don't get aggressive or flick people off I usually just try to stay away from "the crazies." This morning I got in line like everyone else to wait our turn to drive 2 miles an hour on a one lane highway during rush hour. We get to a certain point and all the road signs say "Left Lane Closed" so of course everyone obediently merges to the right lane. we go all of maybe 30 feet and everyone is moving the to left lane... A little befuddled I hesitate to move at first to get a look at what's going on. Ya, one of our rocket scientist road workers put out the wrong signs and it was the right lane that was to be closed and a car drove right into one of the holes but into the road because the right lane wasn't blocked off. *shudder* I would hate to be the guy(s) who blocked off the wrong side of the road and put out the wrong signs when the guy in the beemer gets through with them. He was FURIOUSLY jumping up and down and screaming about his car int he middle of a cement crater. While I would be angry too, he must have been going pretty fast not to see the gaping 10 foot hole in the middle of his lane. At least no one got hurt! I have to admit I did chuckle at the sight of a BMW's rear end sticking out of a hole in the road and some irate guy flapping around like a chicken. What a mess. I wonder if they will teach our road construction guys the old L shaped adage that helps you decipher right from left? Talk about an OOPS!

Is It Just Me

OK, here's another horse horror story (I rescinded on the other horse) the second horse (not mine selling for someone else) I sell the horse and it's agreed verbally that the price is $3000. so Saturday they give me what is supposed to be the final payment and they are $500 short. (not only that when initially taking the horse they wanted a 2 week trial, I agreed, then they didn't want it they were certain she was "the horse" until I get the horse there and then they change their minds and again want the 2 week trial and I had already set up for that weekend another person to look at the horse) I call to ask what's up and the woman has some excuse and then "has to call me right back" ya so it's now Wednesday she didn't call me back, and didn't answer my call. I am so @#%$^&$ SICK of fighting for what is rightfully mine! WTF!! why is it that I go out of my way to help people and they screw me over right and left! I trailered the horse almost an hour away for these people for not so much as even gas money, I GAVE them her winter blanket and her bridle (because they know absolutely nothing and wouldn't know how to measure for that stuff) I have told them everything they need to know about basic care, and THIS is how they treat me! I am just SICK TO DEATH of the BS! So tonight I will stop by the barn where they have the horse, leave her papers, tell them to find someone else to teach their daughter, pick up my tack that I have allowed them to use (since they didnt have their own yet) and wish them luck. (part of me wants to storm in their and say "what the hell I'm an independently wealth college student going through a divorce but hey I'm sure you totally need the money more than me you know to pay for your Cadillac or your jag!") but I won't I'll just walk away screwed over yet again. *sigh* sometimes I just get so discouraged. I try so hard to do what is right and be kind and helpful and I just always seem to get taken advantage of for it... *tears*

That Fuzzy Feeling

And I don't mean the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping other people (who appreciate it) I mean that not-all-here, cold pill, fuzzy-balloon head feeling... Ya, I've got. Can't think straight, can't spell, can't remember stuff. I was sitting in class last night and I understood everything perfectly clear like mud, but this morning... I have no idea what went on in class last night. I had to try to go back, review notes, review archived stuff. I haven't the slightest. Being a work-aholic and a school fiend is great... until you get sick and then there is not time for it and I can't seem to shake this mess. I have a combination of the flu and strep throat not to mention staph is running rampant in our area right now with children (guess who volunteered to play a part in a charity play for you guessed it 150 little girls - ya me) So it's been 6 days and I seem to be getting worse, mt doctor finally took pity on me and will see me this afternoon, and my boss sympathetic though he is, is a heart beat away from asking me to wear a mask because I am a walking incubator for "the funk" (as I have so lovingly come to call it). I need sleep, I need antibiotics, I need a kick in the ars so I pull myself together and get on with it! You know I actually apologized Monday morning when I called out, I actually laughed after the conversation because I was not even able to get up without getting sick and I actually apologized for not toughing it out and getting to work. (I was also running 103 fever) Lol, I was dressed and ready for work tho! What I wouldn't give right now for a hot bath and a throat lozenge.

Ya, they make pills for that now

Angry at your ex - there's a pill for that it's call Prozac

Sad because you're having a rough time or lost a loved on - try Zoloft

Can't sleep from a guilty conscience - Ambien to the rescue!

Just sick of the bs and want to tell people off? try this:

Penelope the Heffer

It's positively official. I am being sold, with the agency. Like a side of beef, like an unsuspecting dairy cow. I am trying to look at it as a possibly brighter future with a bigger chance of earning what I'm worth... but somehow this little voice (moo) in the back of my mind keeps telling me to be cautious. I have so many fears about being "sold" with the agency, but so many hopes.

While feeling like a piece of livestock isn't the greatest feeling in the world, with a new owner and new standards this agency may really be going somewhere. If I am good enough I will get to run the agency. If not, I may be shoved to the slaughter line and cut from the agency staff...

All this worrying is making me sick. I have to stop worrying about that I can not control. *sigh* oh for the simple, care-free days of childhood when things like deciding when to play in the pool all day or ride my pony all day were the toughest decisions to be made.

Side note:
I totally don't believe in reincarnation but if I did, I would want to come back as my parent's dog. Our dogs are so spoiled it's disgusting but they are adorable their only worries are what time they are getting fed and what time they are going out. Must be nice.

Oh, Oh, totally off subject lol but guess who gets to play a bride in an upcoming event... YOURS TRULY... I was a little leary of the part especially since I was volunteered for it against my will. But it should be fun! My mom's way of getting me to agree to volunteer for the part...
"You already have a wedding dress and it's not like you're ever going to use it!" - gee thanks mum always know how to make a girl feel great! Actually, the two of us just cracked up when she said that. lol, brings back such interesting memories.

Yes, Oh Snarky One

ok, so am officially on the board at a local equestrian organization/show facillity now! Exciting though that is, I also find it a tad daunting.

First official meeting transpired this week and by then end I was left feeling both excited and ready to get to work yet, a little confused and peeved at the attitude of some of (ok ONE of) the other board members.

Now don't get me wrong I pretty much like everyone, really easy going and comfortable in a room of strangers or with everyone I know. This one person; however, kind of got to me. She was rude, as in flat out ignore me if I talk to her rude, and when I tried to make a suggestion towards one of her ideas she turned into Super SNARK.

She pulls out this cute horse border that she decides she wante to put up in the office of the show facility, it is VERY cute and a good idea... BUT the office has panelled walls and is neither heated nor air conditioned so it get the roughest of the harsh weather, AND it's super humid here ALL the time but even worse in the summer. So I bring these conditions into perspective, at which point "SUPER SNARK" decides to put me in my place. "My brother is a WALLPAPER EXPERT... BESIDES! I take hot steamy showers every day and MY wallpaper stays up JUST FINE." I did not respond to her snarkiness only thought to myself... ok DUMB ARS!! your HOUSE IS STILL CLIMATE CONTROLLED!!!! but I didnt, I just left it and when it comes off the walls I'll help clean it up.

I almost offered to draw/paint whatever they want on the walls because I've been know to do such things to the delight of others from time to time but I figure there's no use it would only anger "Oh, SNARKY ONE" and it would be a lot of time and work gone to waste if it is not wanted. Alas, I find my niche and my source of frustration in the horse world.

I am a little to nice I think because I'm not clickish noand I don't put weight in what a person owns but who they are as a person... Sigh, at least I only have to humor the Snarky One at board meetings once a month, I'm too busy at events to bother with Little Miss Snarky-pants.

Sometimes I wish I could just smack those kind of people though, they take the fun out of horse showing and turn it into a money fest and a dog eat dog atmosphere. That's part of why I stopped showing horses... It was fun though.. especially being a no name rider on a no name horse with hand me down equipment and show clothes and walking out with all the ribbons amidst the dumbfounded looks from wealthy trainers and riders... :0)

Frazzled/Exhausted

gosh I'm tired.... I was thinking on all the things I have to take care of this week and I'm exhausted just thinking about it. 6 projects for school, working both jobs, meetings almost every night this week, getting ready for the Hunt Club's open season, taking care of the final issues with the divorce, getting on the previous employer for an WC claim they never paid, the horses, my insurance lisence junk, volunteer stuff, I'm beat and I have barely even made a dent in my week.

*sigh* It is all going to pay off... In 3 years when I'm done school... and get a fabulous job because I have maintained perfect grades, and shown loyalty to my employer and perserverance in the fires of life... right?! lol probably not, but at least those thoughts are what keep me going. Killing myself now will be more than worth it in the future when I can run my own business, travel, maybe retire early who knows!

Ah, but for now frazzled though I am, it's back to the daily grind another late night at work with additional work related meetings going well into the 9ish hours and then school after that.... *yawn* I need a power nap!

Bad Vibe Mentoring

So tomorrow I officially begin the child mentoring program. I have to admit I'm a little nervous! So far I have gotten some rather unusual vibes because this has been my experience so far:

I email the organization to find out more about mentoring, I receive a response. "Dear such and such it appears you are in DE..... WE service the lower shore of MD.... You MAY want to try the Dover chapter." My response, " Oh, well that's fantastic since I live on the lower shore of MD, (when I said what city it does span the Mason Dixon line so she was not only rude but foolish for assuming). I again requested additional information. That particular person... NEVER got back to me.
I send another request, at which time the Baltimore chapter contacts me. So I respond:
"I'm sorry I am several hours away from your chapter, I was hoping to volunteer for my local chapter." At which point the girl gets rather rude and says she will set up a meeting time for me with my local chapter. At this point I inform her that I work in DE but live in MD and I work until 5pm so it needs to be after that time with leave way for travel time.

That woman calls me telling me I have an appointment for 5 pm. at a location that's almost 45 minutes from where I work. I was like "uh, scuze me... I said I work until 5 so obviously I can't be ANYWHERE right at 5 let alone somewhere in MD. Is there anyway, I can get a meeting for 6pm?

This girl was furious! She went off on hateful torrents of "YOU told ME that YOU work until 5!" I just calmly responded with: "Yes, I did tell you that I work until 5, I also said that I work in DE and the chapter I need to be at is in MD. I did not realize there was a misunderstanding there. I apologize that you did not realize that since I work until 5 I couldn't be anywhere AT 5. So she blurts out some disdainful things about I should have been more specific, etc. etc. and says how she will "TRY" to get a later appointment.

Makes me wonder if I really want to volunteer for these people.

Odd Man Out

I am perfectly happy being single. I don't miss being someone's barbie, doll, baby, toy, trophy or any of the other categories I have been put under. Last night, I went out with some friends, and you guessed it, I was the ONLY single person, everyone else had someone. Did I feel, "odd man out," not really, unlike alot of people I really don't mind not having a "someone", when everyone was giving their "someone" a kiss I laughed and declared their public displays of emotion "disgusting."



Do I believe that... no. lol When you have REAL, friends, they don't forget about you and get wrapped in their little "world," because they can spend time with their gf/bf anytime! Do I miss relationships?? lol, actually... no. Had too many bad ones and I've emersed myself in work and school and the community to the point where I have no time for anything else

Gimpy and Her Horse

I have this gorgeous Thoroughbred Gelding, dark bay (reddish brown with black legs and a black mane and tail) white socks, a big white blaze down the center of his face and soft, loving eyes. He's so expressive with his facial features he's more like a person then a horse. I can tell exactly what he's thinking with a quick glance at his face.

Kash (my horse) is a sad story, and we're still working on the happy ending. He has been starved, abused, placed in home after home having a bad experience at each one. The original owner was going to put him down, when I came along. I took him in, put about 200 lbs. (he still needs more) on him, have gotten his shots, had his feet, teeth, etc. taken care of and he's now to the point where I ride him.

Now most horses that have had bad experiences with riders will buck or try to throw a person off once they are actually sitting on the horse. Kash on the other hand has a fear of people getting on and off. He's perfect once I'm on it's just the getting on part.

Some days he seems like he's really making progress and starting to truly trust me, and then we have days like yesterday where he was bucking in the barn after he was saddled. For no reason! I was so scared he was going to hit a wall and hurt himself. Once he stopped and relaxed, I took him out to the arena and he was perfect to ride, but it's those scary before the ride moments that make me wonder if he just holds it all together while I'm on him cuz he is conscientious of his rider. It kinda breaks my heart to think that he would still be scared of me, but he has had so many people do so many bad things I can't really expect him to trust me.

Here is a little glimpse of his past. He was starved, had a woman ride him with spurs and was so rough she CUT him so bad he has scars & proud/dead flesh, he was beat before, during and after riding, misused, and his trust was completely ruined.

So now, I am just hoping and praying that he will one day trust me, and know that I wouldn't ever hurt him in any way.

Thinking on it, we are a pretty good pair, I have a sprained/broken foot, he has broken trust and we're both clumsy. Maybe I should write a book "Gimpy and Kash on the Road to Recovery."

Hooray for the Perfect Costume!!

I found! I actually found it!! AND it ACTUALLY fits me!! Hooray! So I am going as a pixie (Tinkerbell since it's my nickname) this year. I found a costume that doesn't look like it belongs on a first grader and it FITS!!! Sorry, I can barely contain my excitement! I usually end up making my costume because I can never find one that looks right AND fits but this year... this year I have defied the odds!!! I will be sure to post pictures of this years costume party, I just couldn't resist sharing my luck in finding a costume and not at the last minute like usual!

Caffeine Fiend

I'm as much of a caffeine fiend as the next guy. I get cranky, moody and awful headaches when denied my thirst for that golden, amber liquid that so enhances my life.

This morning however, I was a little thrown aback upon listening to this slightly eccentric looking woman order her morning Starbucks.

She ordered (and I can't believe I remember this) a grande, soy, double vanilla latte, with whip and cinnamon. Demanded that they double cup it AND include a sleeve. I half wanted to ask her if she would like the cup Valium laced or plain... Lol, she was so "matter-of-fact" that she was rude and I actually apologized to the barista for the snarky woman who was in line before me.

Upon her leaving, one of the newer baristas (most of them know me because I used to work there) turns and asks me if I know how lucky I am... I was totally befuddled, I had no clue what this girl was talking about! She could probably see the question mark on my forehead because she went on: "Please don't think me rude, but you are sooo lucky you don't look like your mom! Your so little and cute and she's well... not?"

I had no idea what to say, my first thought was to declare that I look just like my mom, only 6 inches shorter, but then it dawned on me...

She thought the wrinkly old fuss pot who had ordered before me was my mother because I had apologized to the person at the cash register for the woman's ill behavior. I just sort of giggled and informed the girl behind the counter that I was in NO WAY related to that woman (Thank God) that I just felt bad for the people working that morning because she was so rude and demanding.

guess who got a free coffee this morning just for being nice? Wow, it made me feel special :0) and I don't mean short bus special, I mean I felt really good that kindness actually meant something to someone. Not too mention my super yummy White mocha was made to perfection :0)

Oh ya, It's fake... It's still WARM

So I go to a local pool hall with some friends (who despite my horrid past performances are DETERMINED that I CAN and WILL play pool). Because pool halls and alcohol (bars) usually go hand in hand (imagine that) they of course carded us all at the door.

Now I long since grown use to the bouncers making me recite every bit of info on my license, AND them sticking it in the little machine to verify that my ID is indeed REAL. But this time, THIS TIME was VERY interesting. After spending about 10 minutes reciting all my info and passing the license in machine test I was finally permitted to join my friends at the pool table. I don't think 10 minutes went by and our waitress demanded to see my license again, amidst the groans of protest and statements that I HAD TO GIVE IT TO THE BOUNCER JUST TO GET IN...

I handed the girl my license at which point I had to re-recite every tid bit of info on my license for the 2nd time and mid license # she stops me and says: "Look, I don't know what you think are you pulling here, this license it fake... It's still warm!" At this point I started laughing hysterically and pointed out that I had been stowing it in my back pocket, of COURSE it was warm, I might not have much fat but my butt is like a space heater!!

You know she was going to make me leave!! I just happen to know the owner/manager who came up to say hi and after being quickly briefed on the situation told the waitress I was good and to serve whatever "on the house" for the trouble.

I felt kind of bad for the waitress and actually stuck up for her by stating that she was only protecting the owner's best interest because she suspected me underage. The owner just kind of laughed, but I was serious. I didnt want the waitress to get in trouble or have to pay for the "on the house" rounds as punishment for doing her job. So when we left, I gave her a $50 tip to make sure she was covered if she had to pay the "on the house" rounds and if not; maybe, just maybe she'll remember me next time and not give me such a hard time :0)

What would you do?

We'll say hypothetically you are selling a horse. A girl comes and "test rides" and decides she wants to purchase your horse. She comes out several more times to "test ride."

A month goes by, other people are interested and this girl thinks you are going to just hold out for her. So you let her know "Hey I have a couple other people intersted if you want this horse you need to put a deposit on him ASAP." She recoils and states, "I thought you were going to hold him for me and just let me pay on him until December."

Thus far you have been very patient, basically given her free riding lessons everytime she has come out to ride the horse and offered to allow her to board him at your farm until she finds another location for him. She sets times to come out and ride and doesn't show up until hours later and still expects you to stay out in the barn with her so she can ride.

She uses all your tack and equipment, grooming supplies, fly spray, etc and does rent it or share cost on supplements, fly sprays, grooming products, etc. You have gone out of your way to help her purchase her own supplies only to have her stand you up when you have asked the tack shop owner to come in early for you so SHE can look around. and all this while working 2 jobs and going to school full time, plus, running a child mentoring project and pony club.

Then upon requiring the girl to pay board once she finally put the deposit (a month and 1/2 later) on the horse, and you require she pay it on the 1st of each month (she is already a month behind) and upon the horse coming due for it's shots you ask her (again helping her out) if she wants to have her horse's shots scheduled to be done when you have YOUR horses done since vets rarely want to do a farm call for one horse.

She waits and waits to confirm, she then does and the evening the vet is to come out she sends you a text (doesn't even have the decency to call) and asks if YOU will PAY for her horse and she will pay you back. (wtf like you're her friend or somthing?) Upon agreeing to pay for shots (only because the vet has already been scheduled and is HERE to do shots), you require the person pay the last month's and the coming month's board plus the shot fees on the 1st of the month (in 4 days) in response to this she gets angry and wants to know what the problem is and if "YOU ARE BACKING OUT OF THE SALE OF THE HORSE."

In response to tell her no and that in light of how she has handled the situation thus far she needs to have the horse paid for before he leaves the premises. To which she is furious. How would you handle the situation from here?? I am rather befuddled by this "USER" who for some reason thinks I owe her. I sold her a really good horse for less than I should have trying to give her a break.

I've allowed her to keep it at my farm for several months (it only takes a few days to build a run in and put up fence- trust me I know), I teach her to ride every night she rides (I'm an instructor and I can't not give help when asked for it) because she is a fool and knows nothing, I have paid for the horse's feed thus far, waited a month for a deposit, am still waiting for the 1st months board and she now owes a second, paid for the horse's shots, allowed her to use my supplies, tack, etc. AND gone out of my way and put my name on the line requesting a person open their tack shop 2 hours early so we could go while she had off work only for her to show up at 10am which was the tack shop's normal hours anyway AND the person running it was sick AND SHE DIDNT BUY ANYTHING, she didnt even PRETEND to be interested.

So now I am to the point where if she does not pay her board to date, the shots and her next deposit on the horse tonight I am going to rescind and re-advertise the horse. What would you do?? Do you think I am being to impatient or harsh?