Falling into place

I think things are finally starting to fall into place - big decisions need to be made still, but things are really looking up.

I went home yesterday for an interview with the Fish & Wildlife Service.  It was my first REAL interview.  You always hear about the possible questions you could be drilled with, but some how, some way I've never been in an "official" interview like that.  I wasn't prepared - so I had to just be myself and move on.  I hope it was worth it.  Questions like, "Describe yourself in so many words...", "Describe a situation when you...", "Explain a time when...".  The only one they asked that I was all hey, I got this, booya was, "List computer programs you are familiar with and explain your proficiency with them."  Score.  I know I excelled in that department.

Overall, it was a great experience - whether I get the interview or not.  So bravo for that.

All these big life-decisions lately - so overwhelming.  Where is Never-never-land when you need it?  Wendy?  Peter?  You out there?  Goodness grief.  I believe in fairies *claps hands*.  Can I please fly now?

After the interview I went to see Orion.  That little horse is after my heart - seriously.  He was ridden with burs - his forelock was a horn, his tail was a mess too.  I picked them all out and braided his tail.

Not because it "looks pretty" but because its a practical means of keeping burs to a minimum.  He's got a pretty nice ass for a paint horse too!  (Sorry, bit of horse-talk-jargon-stuff there.  Not trying to be crude.  A horse's hindquarters are just kinda a big deal.)

Typically horses as green-broke (unstarted, inexperienced) will freak out over every new thing - especially anything having to do with their legs.  A horse's legs are his life.  They are flight animals, they need them to escape.  But yesterday, when I put gallop boots (velcro'd leg wraps) on his forelegs he was completely okay with it.  In fact, he was completely okay with everything!  We went on a four or five mile ride on our own and he was completely cool with it.  Didn't want to go back to the barn and the other horses at all.  Completely willing.  Tried to kick the dogs a few times....but whatever.  Such a good boy.  It was a really great day.

Black boots on his forelegs; his head looks huge for some reason in this picture...

Silly dogs

Amusing anecdote from today:  Woke up this morning really early to do some last minute studying - Kenai decided to help.

Building Character

Building character, that's what they call it when you're going through a hard time.  Its the positive outlook way to see things.  I'm trying to be positive, but, man, am I tired of building character.  Its tough stuff.

Going through this break up has been really rough; worse because I'm not even certain why it happened.  The "how to fix this" conversation didn't even occur.  He just kind of bailed out.  And I'm working on moving on.  And all things considered, I really think I'm doing a stand-up job.

Today was my "big" interview.  I suppose it was a grand experience to sit and talk to said professor.   But he had absolutely no interest in me as a graduate student.  He just told me about the process and gave me ideas on where to apply and how to go about it.  I'm grateful, but I knew most of that stuff already.  I've already applied places.  No one has interest in me.  Wildlife is difficult that way.  You can't simply "get into" a school.  You've got to find a professor that likes you, they've got to already have a position in mind, and they've got to have it fully funded.  Makes life difficult.

I guess today was just another one for the books.  But it's ok.  I'm getting used to this let-down thing.  Its getting easier at least.  Building character.  Yeah, I can do that.  Why not.  I'm sure I'll be better for it in the long run.  Its just hard right now.

One thing is for certain though.  I have the MOST amazing and supportive people around me anyone could ever ask for.  And I guess you don't really realize how great of a fan base you have until you go through things like this.  Its hard going through everything all at once, but the support I have?  Unbelievable.  The moments I don't believe in myself, when I doubt, when my confidence waivers, someone gives me the lift I need.  Phenomenal.

Now...if only the weather would cheer up a bit!  This dreary winter thing?  I'm over it.  Mr. Sun and I are long overdue for a date.  Until then though I have puppy therapy.  This is my new nephew:

Silas, a long-haired Weim.  Pretty boy.  His mom is a super hard worker and is in school.  Tuesdays and Thursdays she can't be home with him so I've volunteered to babysit him those days for the first month or so.  He's only 10 weeks old.  Hard to believe the little chunker is gonna reach 90lbs one day!  Kenai likes him so far, wishes he was a little more rambunctious though, I think.  But that will come with time.

I had lunch today with an old friend, Tim.  (Weird that I can say "old friend".  I feel old...gah.)  It was REALLY good to see him.  Its been awhile since we got to sit down and talk.  He got married to his dream girl back in May and they're expecting their first, a little girl, at the end of June.  I'm super excited for him.  He was really hoping for a girl, probably one of few guys who would admit that.  I'm really excited to get to knit super cute little girl hats.  Did the boy thing already, now for little girl hats.  And knitting with ribbon, and fluffy-fuzzy yarn.  Ooohhh excitement.

For now...watching the few minutes of Gilmore Girls I've NEVER EVER seen!  My season two disc four skipped when I owned it before, so I finally emailed WB before break and now have my replacement season!  Its PHENOMENAL.  I'm super excited.  The first minute of never-viewed footage was really good, I have high hopes for the next bit too.  Its little things like this that are getting me through.  Haha, pathetic.  But man, I LOVE Gilmore Girls!  And my love for them is going to lead me to finish this post with one little phrase:


COPPER BOOM!