Pause in the Game

This past weekend I was able to go down to San Diego to visit friends and family! It was a welcome escape as I'm feeling overwhelmed with pre-season and school. I obviously lived here so I don't have any cool new things I learned, but I took BF down for the first time and I think he enjoyed it. Plus I was finally legal to drink! 

I definitely idolize all the bloggers I follow and took pictures of the seals at La Jolla because Lauren did when she was just there and I think shes pretty kick ass. Unfortunately, I don't think seal pictures make me kick ass but imitation is the best form of flattery and I think Lauren is the coolest. 

I did splurge a bit and have a Treat Yo Self post coming next week. I love consignment shops and it isn't fair we don't have any local to me anymore. Anyway, time to grind in school and pre-season. I keep having to remind myself you have to work hard for what you want. Just keep swimming. 

2017 Kick Off!

I know it seems like I fell off the face of the Earth for this entire month, and thanks because I kind of did! My family, boyfriend, and I all kicked off the new year with a cruise around the western Caribbean! It technically wasn't until the 7th, but it really started the new year for me. 

Here are a few teaser pics, but I'll go through and do a whole trip recap! It was super fun, however my bank account hurts and my brain is all fuzzy trying to catch up from the first week of classes I missed. Now that I'm done trying to cram two weeks into one, aka last week, I am excited to get the blog rolling again. 

In Paradise

Having moved to Idaho from California I discovered a new love of water. I used to have a large attachment to the beach. The horizon of the sea is so open and inviting. It leaves room for anything to happen, all of the possibilities. It fools you into an ignorant bliss that it never ends. The sweet, salty air is both calming and invigorating. Instead of the misconception that it was where the world ended, to me it was where the world began. 

As soon as I can see water I always feel at home. I never thought I'd feel that way outside of the beach. But lakes and rivers now inhabit a part of my heart. And, to be honest, I think I like them more.

My favorite lakes are up in the mountains surrounded by pine trees. Although the water is familiar, the atmosphere is different. The pine trees remind me of an enchanted forest and I absolutely adore them. I also love how at the high elevations you can still see snow capped mountains in the summer. 

Lucky for me, my horse trainer also has business in rental properties. Just last year her and her husband acquired a vacation home on Lake Cascade. A lot of my house sitting for them was for when they went up to the lake house to work on improving the property. Because it is a vacation rental and not always occupied, they now go up there to enjoy it when it isn't being rented. However, it seems there are still a few extra days it sits empty. 

My horse trainer has generously offered to let me stay there when it isn't being rented. So, when I got a call at 10 pm on Friday night I knew it was a good idea to answer. Despite weekends for the place being booked from June-September already, it seemed there was a cancellation and it would be vacant Saturday and Sunday. It was too late to drive up that night, so after finishing some plans on Saturday my bf and I headed up there for an overnight getaway. 

This was my second trip to the lake house and I had a hard time leaving. As much as I love my little farm and riding horses, the getaway is much appreciated. This past weekend I kayaked for the first time in my life. The two hours of exploring the lake was a little overkill for my out-of-shape body, but I enjoyed every minute of it. 

Now I am back to farm life, but I can't wait for my next lake adventure. If only I could bring the horses there! 

San Diego Trip 2016

Stallception

Every year I have to go back home at least once. Unfortunately my trip was delayed slightly by my bridezilla sister wanting to change her bridal shower so I didn't get as much SD time as I wanted.

I arrived in SD on the evening of 6/5 and had a burrito and went to sleep.

Monday I planned a mini blogger meetup! Fellow blogger, L. Williams, often visits SD so I scheduled my trip to coincide when she would also be in the area! Another blogger, Carey, also lives in the area and just so happens to work at my favorite store. I had phenomenal tacos with L for lunch (thanks again!) and we drove up to Mary's to meet with Carey (and shop!). I didn't find anything fun to bring home but I did grab some Ice Horse ice packs and a body sponge. Thrilling, I know. Afterwards we headed to Carey's new barn to meet the every so striking Cosmo. Man, is this guy a looker! Plus his droopy lip is too much and I just want to stuff him with cookies everyday. L and Carey were extremely nice and fun to be around. I hope to see them again sometime soon!

Tuesday I met with my RBFF from middle school. Her birthday was Sunday so I came prepared with cake. Plus I'll take any excuse to bring cake.

Wednesday I spent my day at my favorite place in SD, Del Mar. Del Mar is where my heart is and I have a separate post gushing over my heart home.

I hung out with my highschool best friend on Thursday morning, preparing to leave, only to waste time at the airport that evening. My flight was delayed and I wasn't going to make my connection, which meant I got to stay an extra night and had extra tacos. This trip was extremely refreshing and rejuvenating and although it was short I had a fantastic time. I can't wait to be back.  

Montana Adventures

This past weekend, my boyfriend, L, had a drill weekend in Montana. His parents live about 2 hours from his unit so he asked me if I wanted to join him and have a pre-thanksgiving dinner with them. I don't work weekends, so I figured why not!

Looked like something out of a tv show

These are my adventures of my first time in Montana. 

Sport!

We drove up on Friday and stayed at a hotel in Livingston because of the large Montana Grizz vs Bobcats game being held in Bozeman. Livingston is a relatively small town and had a cute vibe to it. We ate dinner at Montana Rib & Chophouse the first night, because beef. When in Montana, eat all the meat. 

Amazing

The next day he left for drill at 7 AM and I slept my little heart out. We brought his dog with us and she enjoyed the all day cuddle as well. Around lunch time I wandered into town (holy cold and wind) and had the best burger of my life. It was a bison burger (my first!). I watched the football game at the sports bar and then made my way back to the hotel. We had dinner that night at another steakhouse that was in the back of a bar/casino. It was awesome as well. 

My first cheesesteak

One of his friends had worked at a small theater (acting, not movies) in town and got us free tickets to a show. The musical was called Tom Foolery and it was hilarious. I recommend seeing it if it pops up around you. 

Hope is not lost!

Sunday I had to drive into Bozeman with him since we had to check out of our hotel sometime that morning. Left to my own devices I had breakfast downtown, drove around until Petco opened, dropped off the pooch for a bath, and looked for tack stores. 

Fancy boots

The first store I went to was a huge disappointment. It looked like the walmart of horse stores but their english section consisted of winter riding gloves and two half chaps. Womp womp. 

Baby sized blankets!

The next store I went to was more exciting. I wanted it all. Their sale section sucked. Only 20% off. And their consignment section was pricey so I left with nothing. But I wanted it all. 

Mm Leather

I picked the dog back up and picked up L from his unit and we drove to Billings to meet his parents! And after a ten hour drive yesterday, I am finally back home.

Winter collection