The 2010 door is closing and the 2011 will be opening

First and foremost, Merry Christmas to all and wishing you a very prosperous 2011!

This year has been an interesting one, but as we often hear, God doesn't give us anymore than He knows we can handle. Can I get an Amen? I think the trials we go through only make us stronger, and it's how we choose to work through them that teaches us what's important. We can wake up and complain about it or swing the covers off and say bring it on (after a quick prayer for strength of course)!

For those of you who feel like life is bringing you down at times...stop, take a deep breath, and just repeat, "God is with me" many times. You will be amazed how you feel a sense of calm take over. He is amazing.

So what's in store for 2011? I hope each of you really thinks about this before you make any resolutions or goals. We often just go through it with the same old plans...lose weight, make more money, spend more time at home, blah blah. However, if there is no conviction, it's just a waste of air. So really give it some thought. Have something you've always wanted to do? Go for it! There's no time like the present right??? Me? I'm personally going to begin jumping again. Yes, I know my mother just sighed and said, "great, the girl will give me even more grey hair!". However, my goals will be completely different this round than they were in my "younger days". Long gone is the desire to enjoy lots of air and hang time on jumps 3'6" and up on the jumpers. This time, it's just to go into the hunter ring and be happy competing at 2'6". It's still respectable, and I feel like it's time again. Oh I still have my passion for dressage, but this is more like something I have to at least prove to myself that I can still handle. Not to mention, Nyah needs to get into the hunter ring where she belongs, and I can only rely on myself to get her there ;-)

So my prayers for you are that you take some time to reflect on where you are in life and then decide what you have a passion for now...not 5 years ago, but now. You might be surprized at what you really want to do in your life that may be a huge right turn from where you thought you were headed.

Many blessings to each of you and sending you all a big hug (nicker, lick, and kitty hug from the critters)!

Susan, Graffi, Nyah, Lexie, Max, Mr. Big, Precious, Possum, and Oscar

Changes in the landscape

It's been awhile. Why does it seem that time flies faster the older we get??? Not digging it!

Well since the last "check in", I have had some ups and downs. The downs include losing two of my precious babies this year. Gus passed on and so did my sweet little Mollie kitty. Everyone misses them, especially Mr. Big. He lost two of his best pals within months of each other.

The ups...I have rececently been hired as a contractor for a few months with AT&T Wireless. What makes this not just an "up" because I'm employed, but rather "ups" is because I work for a very nice person. I am hoping this contract gets extended!

The rest of the crazies in the nut house are well. Max is still ridiculously full of energy, Lexie is amazing, and the kitties are sweet as ever. The horses are doing well...no showing lately due to some issues with hooves and funds, so hoping to at least do one fun event before the end of the year :)

Can you believe Fall is already here...bring on some beautiful colors and cooler weather!!!

All the best,
S

It's been awhile since the last posting. Things are good and still trying to stay positive while continuing the search for employment.

Critters are well :) Gus is still making it up the stairs one step at a time (often with help, but he tries to do it on his own). Pretty good for being 15! Lexie and Max are still "wrastle" maniacs daily. Sometimes I don't know how Max manages down the stairs while Lexie drags him by a leg!

Graffi and Nyah are well. Trying our best to get ready for show season, but the weather has not been helpful. Oh well, looks like showing by the seat of our pants may be the only option! LOL

Kitties are great, but not liking all the cold weather. Since I keep the heat set at 67-68 degrees, they act as if we live in Alaska in an igloo!

Not much else to report from the "zoo". Take care all!