Wednesday, August 10th.

      It’s now only 13 days till I return to Mo, and I have no idea how to explain the summer that I have just encountered aside from saying, that it was an adventure. I know I failed miserably at recounting my adventures through my blog, but it just wasn’t possible. There were days where I was miserable, days where I was exhausted, days where I was indifferent, and days where I was ecstatic, yet through it all it was always clear to me that my passion definitely lies in being a riding instructor. The entire atmosphere at IRC is different than the summer camp life I was previously used to and at times that got the best of me. I missed the traditional cookouts, gatherings and such that went along with being a member of the Cedars staff. The way in which we communicated with the campers was much different than the mannerisms that were expected from the staff of my previous job and it was not something that I was used to, then again the type of children that we encounter here in NY was of a much different nature as well. IRC however offered a whole new variety of encounters. The surrounding land that we often see on trail rides down the roads, and on our days off is breathtaking and the horses here are fantastic. To be able to teach children all summer who for the most part were thrilled to be riding  three hours a day on horses that were more than capable of jumping fences of a respectable size, was wonderful. Although the staff here was of a much different mind than I would have expected I can definitely say that I have come away from this summer with at least one great friend that I am so grateful to have met. Her exuberance for life and her love of musicals and quotes was what initially drew me to her, and as I got to know her, I realized that this was a person I could always see myself being friends with.  Although I am still uncertain of my future, I am considering working with Kim in Florida with some of the IRC horses for the winter and possibly even returning for a second summer at IRC. The things that I learned at Cedars have been invaluable to me, and I will always love the place that was my home for so long, but I am grateful that I was able to experience another side of the equine summer camp world. I have seen two very different methods of management and I have learned a lot from both styles. I have learned the importance of having proper rules, the need for freedom, the importance of respect, and so much more. I am not ready to return to WWU for my final semester, yet at the same time I can’t wait to return and get it over with. I am ready to graduate and step out into the world, and start another  adventure. This summer has taught me to look before I leap, but also that not all things that appear to be rough on the surface, are unwelcoming on the inside. My time spent in NY this summer has been full of invaluable lessons that I hope I can pass on as well as put into practice as I move forward into my final semester of college, and into whatever adventures await me beyond the world of academia. When I started looking into working elsewhere for the summer the quote that stuck out to me was, “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”, This quote could not have been more correct. Thankful for a simple summer full of many new lessons. 

Sunday July 3rd

Well it's been awhile since I have had time to post, but things have been a little busy here. Camp life at IRC has continued to be an adventure. I love the teaching I have gotten to do here, and have had a ton of fun out in the arena with my riders. The weather has been decent for the most part, but we have had a few days of torrential downpour in which we do pretty much nothing. Can't believe that it is already July! I was looking at pictures of the parade at Cedars, and I am sad to be missing such a stressful yet entertaining day. It will be really weird this year, missing out on the fun festivities of one of my favorite holidays as the 4th of July is not hugely celebrated here, and there are no fireworks :( It will be the first year ever to miss out on it. Trying to stay busy and focus on work though. Several staff members have quit in the last few days leaving us pretty short staffed so things have been pretty interesting the past few days. Although not an ideal situation I am glad that it allows for me to teach more often throughout the day since that is what I really enjoy. Definitely not ready to head back to MO in two months to finish school, I just want to be finished already!!! Not a whole lot more to say....Campers were shipped off to the movies since it is too rainy to do anything here, so all is quiet and peaceful. Guess I should work on some online homework, and be productive. 

Some people wear their smile like a disguise. Those people who smile a lot, watch their eyes....

Friday June 17th

It's been a busy week, and the kids get here on Sunday! Living with two russian campers for the first week, should be lot's of fun! All of the ponies are happy and ready to go for the summer, and the staff is....well... getting there.  Went out with everyone last night for one big final night out, and caused some trouble with Kim.  Ready to make this an amazing summer, may even return for another summer next year....who knows :)

Tuesday June 14th

This weather is soo depressing! Everyone was a bit down today, but we all survived. Went to Middletown with Kim today to pick up the stall signs which with our luck were of course not finished, so we ended up wandering around for about 45 min. On the up side, I finally got my starbucks :) This evening we stayed back at the barn to make up for the time we missed, and we did an awesome job of drilling the new white board into the wall...even if we did leave out a few pieces. Hoping to run to town tonight to do some laundry where there is actually a dryer but the boss lost the car key, and is not very interested in finding it at the moment...so I may just have to hold out for another day or so. Seeing all of the pictures of the kids arriving at Cedars and hoping they are all having a wonderful time! Hung out in the office with Kim the other night and was remembering all of our wild "planning" nights in the office with the cedars wranglers, hopefully the remaining wranglers are still causing trouble, and catering to Tom Cat's every wish. lol Can't wait to make this an awesome summer no matter what is thrown into the mix.

"Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it."

Sunday June 12th

Not a lot to say about today, but since I promised some people that I would do my best to write each day, I will try to come up with something. I worked one of the polo ponies this morning and ponied another. That was a lot of fun, and it was nice to just get out on my own and just move out. I rode Charlie again this afternoon in a new bridle, and he was not a happy camper, but I still love him. Hoping he does better in his new bridle tomorrow. Planning another trip back to Cheeseburger Paradise and had an entertaining time today swapping stories with Kim about life in general. This thursday is going to be even better than last thursday :) So proud of all my friends at Cedars, sounds like you all had a great CHA clinic, and sad that I wasn't able to see Kristy and Kathy Metcalf again, but i'm sure they were a blast to work with as usual. Trying to get my online hw done, but not getting much accomplished....sigh.... Missing Kit and hoping that he is being a good pony at Cedars and that he finds a friend for the summer. ...
Off to shower and then do some paperwork stuff.

Saturday June 11th

Well it's been a few days...ok almost 5 days. In my defense it's hard to get on my computer since I need an outlet to use it since my battery is dead and the only place we get wireless in under a tent. That being said, I have NO idea how I am going to get my online class completed, and I really can't afford not to pass the class. Backing up to the days I have missed, tuesday and wednesday were sort of a blur and I don't honestly remember all that happened, probably barn chores, and working more horses. Thursday evening we went into Middletown to celebrate Kim's bday at Cheeseburger Paradise. A sort of Jimmy Buffet bar/restaurant. They had a live band and we were a very loud and energetic group. The night was a lot of fun, and it was nice to get out and forget about everything for awhile. Friday was out day off and we went into Middletown again and I watched all of the girls from abroad shop and get so excited by our malls. It was a long day, but it was fun to see them get excited over the things that we take for granted each day. Friday evening we went into Ellenville for Kim's actual bday and ate at her friends organic restaurant. Amazingly I found something that actually sounded good and I really enjoyed it, although I was extremely exhausted  by that point. Today was cold and rainy, and sort of depressing. The Best part of the day was riding Charlie. He was like a totally different horse today. I really enjoy working with him and would love to bring him home with me.  Freezing to death sitting under the tent to get wifi, and trying to figure out how to get my online classwork done since I have about 12 papers I need to write. Hoping that tomorrow is a better day. "I think we all wish we could erase some dark times in our lives. But all of life's experiences, bad and good, make you who you are. Erasing any of life's experiences would be a great mistake."

Monday June 6th

Almost 100 degrees today, and it's supposed to be hotter tomorrow! My horse threw a shoe so I spent the am riding period cleaning tack in the shady tack room. This afternoon while the girls did some weeding Kim had me come down to the barn with her and help her while she tested out the two new additions. We named them Charlie "He looks a lot like charlie at camp" and Tobleron, "like the candy bar". He is super cute. Charlie however, is off the racetrack, terrified of being bridled, and terrified of sponges. When we went to sponge him off he proceeded to run circles around us and try to rear. I am going to tie some up in his stall so he can get better acquainted with them :)  We had some time to lay out today after lunch at the pool, and again this evening :) My package from home came as well. Today was definitely a good day!!