Runnin’ down a dream

A week ago I quit my full time job, I have been employed by the same place for 16 years.  There were several reasons I left.  I didn’t want to waste my life in front of a computer doing a job I had great disdain for.  Due to work stress, my migraines had increased.  One of the main reasons I left is because I wanted to follow a dream.  The dream of being a better wife, mother, farmer, and horse person.
So far in my first week off, I’ve had one migraine, it was the date of my orientation for my part time job.  It could have been the lights, or the stress of uncertainty….but since Saturday, I have yet to have another one.  I’ve also had a sick child I’ve needed to be home with.  My old job would allow me to be at home with him too but I would still stress.  I wish I could say I’ve made advances in the farming and horse person…but it makes it impossible when there is ice and snow still clinging to my ground. 
I am so grateful for the opportunity I have in running down my dreams.  It’s up to me to make this happen, and I will.

Not going as planned

On Friday, February 28th, I left the company I’ve spent 16 years of my life working for.  The next morning, I went to Orientation for my new adventure.  I am excited for this new adventure but at this moment, things are not going as planned.  Saturday night, Sunday morning a nasty snow storm moved in.  I drive a 2wd Dodge Ram…I don’t move that baby when there is ice and snow on the ground!  Therefore being able to go into work on Sunday or Monday to start my training proved to be a challenge.  Also, on Sunday night, my 6 year old developed a nasty cough, Monday it got worse and by yesterday morning he has developed a fever.  I got him into the doctor and found out he has ear infections and an upper respiratory infection, no school for 2 days (but due to our icy country roads, school has been out since Monday anyway) so that means momma can’t go to work either.  Talked to my husband, he will be working half days, hopefully home by noon so I can drive into work and do some training.

If that wasn’t enough stress, the next part kind of hurt and upset me.  This winter has been hard on all animals.  Somebody who drives our road decided to call the humane society AND the sheriffs department claiming we are not feeding our horses.  Now being an animal lover, I do appreciate their concern, and I do admit Ranger, our yearling stud is thin, but I do feed the horses twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.  I have been working to get weight on him and its just not working.  The gentleman from animal control came out, I took him to my feed room to show him we have quality hay for them as well as Alfalfa pellets, 12% grain and whole kernel corn.  We spoke for 20 minutes about the horses, he told that compared to his other calls, my horses were in the best shape…its just been a hard winter for horses in the area.  I have been reluctant to just throw a round bale out in the field for them to graze because I am afraid of the rain/snow and them wallowing in the hay and ruining it.  Regardless of that, I asked about putting a round bale with them, but continuing to feed the quality square bales as well as grain.  The HS investigator said that was a good idea. 

Then at 8pm last night, the sheriff shows up.  She looked so annoyed that she had to come out to my house.  She said they don’t look bad and they were friendly to her and someone is just being nosey.  I told her about my earlier conversation and our plans, she said that was perfect and went on her way.

I am hurt, embarrassed and upset.  I love my horses, I wouldn’t neglect or abuse them and I want to do right by them.  I do appreciate the fact that somebody was concerned but I am also pissed!  I could understand if the horses were boney and lethargic, mine however are not.  They have had to use a lot of their fat reserves to stay warm this winter.  I do want them fat and sassy before I really start training and we had talked about upping their feed, which I had been doing gradually especially on cold winter days because they aren’t as fat and I would like to see them.

Things are not going as planned, but this will make me stronger, more determined and everything will workout fine.