Today I had the day off from work. Rather, I specifically requested to have the day off. The reason? There was a horse show, and after so much traveling I am cramming to get back in shape in time for the Hampton Classic at the end of the month! Sounds reasonable right? Well, let me tell you how my day went.
First, after a not-so-great-night's sleep (dog barking at 2AM), I woke up a full hour earlier than I have to for work. 6:00AM isn't TOO bad on a normal night's sleep, but this was a bit much. Then, I left my house a full hour and a half before I have to for work, and proceeded to spend all day (all hot, humid, sticky day) walking around outside in long pants, leather boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and a wool coat. As if that weren't ENOUGH to make this sound crazy, add the fact that in the afternoon when I was showing, it started raining. Oh, and food? Who has TIME for food at a horse show? I went all day on just my early morning oatmeal, a cup of fruit salad, and half of a granola bar (the other half went to the real star of the day, Hero!). Add in the fact that I got home a full hour later than I would from work, and then factor in the idea that I was spending money rather than making it, and this whole picture could seem a little puzzling to a non-horse person.
But you know what? I loved EVERY minute of it. Hero was, like I said, the true shining star of the day, living up to his name by faithfully carrying me around even though it was only my 4th time riding since I got back! And that's what it's all about to me- the bond I share with this absolutely remarkable animal.
When I got home, hungry and tired from a long day, I whipped up some fresh-picked tomato and basil pasta. The tomatoes were amongst the sweetest, ripest tomatoes I've ever had, and all-in-all, it was the perfect way to end the day (plus, it was quick and easy to make!). Since my recent transition to weekday veganism (to help with my self control, I allow myself to indulge on egg and dairy products on weekends), I've had to be even more creative and selective about what I eat than usual, but tonight's meal was a nice throwback to old times- a meal I've been enjoying since I was old enough to chew solid food! I will admit, I didn't have the appreciation for tomatoes then that I do now, but even so, this dish is a better comfort food to me than the traditional mac-n-cheese or other fatty greasy dishes (it's a good thing since that I don't eat cheese, usually).
So although my day today was unconventional to say the least, and would not even fall on the radar for most people's definitions of a "good day," I can express nothing but gratitude and contentment at the way things have turned out, today and also just in my life in general!
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