Therapeutic Riding

Today was one of the greatest days I've had in awhile.

It was my very first day volunteering at a therapeutic riding center. I had sent in a request to volunteer over a year ago. I never heard back and honestly forgot about it. But, a couple weeks ago they finally got back saying there were many volunteer positions open. I let them know my available times and bam! there I was on the schedule, starting the very next week. Which happened to be today.

Going in I had absolutely no expectations. All I knew was I was going to be around horses and that was more than enough for me. After driving around and getting a bit lost (true Annie form) I pulled into the driveway.

We got right down to business. A short introduction, a mini-tour, then I helped out in my first lesson.

At one point in the middle of the lesson when I was walking past the paddock door, my mind went blank except for one word that wanted to make itself known...purposeful.

I felt like I was right where I needed to be. Like this day was made for me. Like my lifelong obsession with horses was coming full circle, leading me here. Was I completely comfortable? No way. I was on the verge of being terrified. I have almost zero experience with people with special needs. I'm not even sure if that's the correct term to use. But, I do know my horses. And I do know how it felt to help those students feel one of the greatest joys in the world. If I could only bottle up those smiles and ship them to people all over the world...it would be such a happier place.

I admire those who work full time with people with disabilities. I don't think I could do it. But, I can spend a couple hours a week like this. I feel like I need to spend a couple hours a week like this. I need these lessons just as much as they do.

By the way, being in a horse stable is pretty much the best thing ever. A horse wanted attention and bit my shoulder before I left. I couldn't even get mad...I just loved on him even more. So, so good!

Photoshop

Lately, I've been spending lots and lots of hours on photoshop. I never really experimented with it much in the past. Just stuck to my tried and true routine of editing after a shoot. But, in the last couple months I have really gotten into it....teaching myself how to use new filters and effects. No pressure, just serious fun. 

And for all the haters...Yes, I take photos of myself. No, I'm not obsessed with myself. When inspiration strikes and theres nobody around to model for me, I take measures into my own hands. Boo yah. 

Easter Weekend

Friday was Austin's birthday! We celebrated with drinks, then kicked it old school and went to a movie at Easton. We saw American Reunion. Completely vulgar. Equally hilarious. Success.

The birthday boy with his 3D glasses.
Sidenote: This was NOT a 3D movie. 

Saturday morning I loaded in the car with Nick and his parents and headed up to the farm for their Easter lunch. I visited with the cows and entertained his cousins. Not too shabby of a day.

Saturday night I had all to myself. Gosh, I love nights like that.

I cleared several shows off my dvr, cleaned like a madman, stocked up on baking supplies and pretty daisies for the apartment.

On Easter morning my parents, Jackie and the Nicks came over to my apartment for breakfast. We had potato sausage bake, quiche, fruit, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls.

My favorite breakfast food ever. 

First taste of sugar in over 40 days. mmmmhmmmm.

My momma (aka the Easter Bunny) did not disappoint with our baskets. I hope I never get old enough for this kind of stuff.

Next was mass at 11am. Oh, how I love my Easter church songs! Afterwards, I made dessert for later on in the day. I was able to make the entire thing in less than an hour. Proud moment.

mini fruit pizza 

We went to my work so everyone could see our beautiful art covered hallways. Children are amazing!

me & niklaus 

Our final destination was my Grandma's house for another Easter lunch. I am obsessed with good food. And the food was seriously good. I may have overdone the dessert, but how could I resist?

sis & bro-in-law

I meant to post this picture before Easter but just never got around to it. I saw this chocolate bunny at Target a few weeks ago.

Look closely, his name is Texter and he's holding a phone. Really?! I could not believe my eyes. Our world is pretty crazy. 


Yay Easter and Yay Happiness!

Katniss in Training

Such badasses we are.

Whew!

I finally made it through the craziest month I've had in a long time. March, you were a doozy.

These are the reasons why it was so busy:

I took four training classes for work: First Aid, Communicable Diseases, CPR, and Child Abuse. Four classes=6 evenings, which also = 20 hours.

I attended Pre-Cana with Nicholas. A marriage prep that took up one precious Saturday from 9-4. (Completely worth it though)

I religiously stuck to my half marathon training schedule (until the injury, that is).

I found bridesmaid dresses! Ironically, this ended up being one of the easiest parts of wedding planning so far. Could not be more opposite of how Jackie's bridesmaid dress hunt went.

I also checked off other random wedding to-do's including folding even more cranes (almost done now!!)

We had our annual Art Gala at work. One of my most favorite evenings of the year. We were so busy all throughout the month...running around getting supplies, mounting art work, staying late to set everything up. Obviously, the hard work is so worth it.

I celebrated St. Patrick's Day with some of the best friends ev-a!

I had a couple appointments throughout the month...one wedding related, one doctor related.

I met with my mom and sisters to start planning our cousins bridal shower that is this month. I love all of us together, although we can be extremely overwhelming. So overwhelming in fact, that brewskis were cracked open at midday to make the planning session more bearable.

And then there were things that I did to myself to cause a complete lack of sleep...watching tons of March Madness and finishing The Hunger Games in 3 days.

All these things added together with my usual work hours plus babysitting B&T made it an exhausting month. I will be so thankful this month when I get to come straight home after work instead of sitting in a classroom watching slide after slide of infectious disease photos.

However, my life always seems to get busy, even when I don't necessarily want it to. Honestly though, I wouldn't have it any other way. Bring it on, April!