What a loaded question. I don't really ever want to grow up, actually, so ideally I shouldn't have to answer it at all. I'm trying to apply to schools right now (very unsuccessfully I might add) and I just can't decide what path I want to be on. I want to be in school in New England because I love it there and it's exactly where I need to live right now but depending on where I go to school will impact/limit my riding capabilities. Farther north is somewhat correlated to fewer resources, which means I have to work harder to maintain my riding and not lose it for the rest of college. Or do I want to take a mini-hiatus every semester to really focus on just being a college kid and enjoying my freedom? GAH I just don't know. Laura brought up an idea tonight while we were talking on the phone that I could even look at schools around the area I'm in now (there are a ton in the PA/DC/VA area that are really good) and continue to ride at the barn here during the school year, which is obviously another option tonight that I hadn't really explored yet. But I don't know how I feel about that; my embarrassing homesick attitude has definitely lessened since Thanksgiving time but after Wake last year I decided I wanted to be back in the good old north country, wearing flannel and getting snow days. I love snow days and I have to say that's one of the best parts of being in school is that they're actually and option. We got a ton of freezing rain the other day and my little cousins had a 'snow' day, but nope not me, I had to drag myself out in that weather to take care of the ponies.
I've been working on my position constantly in my rides, with lots of help from Tim and Sharon but also trying to discipline myself. I've been doing flatwork without stirrups for my seat, and Tim makes me canter and look up (and I'm not kidding you here) right at the ceiling so I feel like I'm falling backwards, but he says that's exactly where I need to be. It's so hard trying to break those bad habits. Tying my stirrups to my girth has helped quite a bit too I might add, even though I find this to be the most uncomfortable and difficult while I'm actually riding because my legs don't typically bend that way, but it does keep my toes forward and my legs wrapped around the horse and I feel more secure that way. I had a jumping lesson last night and worked on keeping my rhythm; Sharon made me yell out very loudly and sternly my beat as I went around the gridwork and little course. I'm beginning to feel more confident in my jumping and riding (minus a little fall off Izzy last weekend) which I really needed because I was beginning to wonder what I was doing here. I guess it pays to stick it out sometimes!
While I could ramble for ever and it's my day off tomorrow, my eyelids are almost drooped over my eyes completely and I'm beginning to get a headache. I guess my college apps and that speeding ticket can wait til tomorrow...
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