The Gypsy Took It

2003-12-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

Prolli was in the house!
And he rocked the Cali coast! Finally after all of Derek's stories of his rapping friend Approach, I got to meet him. He played the Temple Bar in Santa Monica, which is one of the chillest venues I have ever been to (not that I have been to all that many, but still... it was great!). After working up the nerve to go alone, and then working it up again to walk up to Approach, I explained who I was. Before I knew it I was getting hugged and wished a happy birthday as if we were long lost cousins. His set was as sweet as he was, and a group of us girls who were there got the whole crowd grooving. At the end of the night, I said bye to Approach, suggested he check out the basement and made sure I knew when he was coming back out to this coast in February. I am now looking forward to going back to Temple for Aceyalone's show on Dec. 26. Hooray for LA hip hop!

As for my birthday, it all turned out well. Went for Mexican with my little Swedish family and Mo, and the next night my parents treated Morgan and I to French food. Delicious! Mostly the b-day presents were all horse related, of course, including the nicest pair of German riding pants one can find. As for being away, it gets easier and easier, especially since I am more than half way through. I did several unwrappings of gifts over the phone and I felt very close even to those far away.

Less than two weeks until I head home for the first time in seven months!

2003-12-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite things
I love getting a gift idea in your head and then going on a quest to find it. This year's big quest has been for Derek. And it is not over get. After being denied twice, I have tried ordering it again, only to find a local store that is willing to track it down for me. We'll see which place comes through first. And I wonder what I will do with all my freetime once Derek's gift is here and well. In the meantime I have to find a time when I am home and my neighbors are too because the UPS man decided to give my dad's present to them for safe keeping. The interesting thing is that I don't know them at all. But, with the help of a few more packages, I might finally meet the neighbors.

I miss the snow and the Chicago decorating spirit. They just don't go all out for holidays here like they do at home. But only 2 more days until Mo is here and 3 until I am 22!
Life is good except for my horse, Algot who is lame. We are calling the vet in the morning.
Cross your fingers for the little bugger.

2003-11-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

California Dreamin..
Of Morgan visiting me for my birthday and of Christmas with Derek and the family. And to top off the happy thoughts I am getting a massage tomorrow. One of the clients at the barn gave it to me after I seemed sore one day at work. People up there are so sweet sometimes.
Christmas preparations are starting to get underway, though I can hardly believe it's December tomorrow. I am going into my seventh month here and get to go home in just three weeks. It will be nice to see everything that is so comfortable, silly little Antioch. It is just a far cry from Los Angeles. After all I know everyone there and there is a little mom and pop ice cream, well, no, frozen custard shop. But I know that I would never want to live there as a grown up. But with the Christmas stuff... I have presents for my whole family, Patrick, Derek, and Derek's brothers. I know what I am getting his parents and just need to go out and get it. We have figured out a fun project to make as presents for all the clients at the barn too. (Jackie was asking about when I was leaving for Christmas at home so she could wrap my gift. So sweet!) The only thing that has me really stuck is Derek's birthday, but I think I am going to check out a couple places for some ideas I have tomorrow. With a little luck that should be the last of my biggest shopping. I still have Andy, Asa and the boys, but again, I have some ideas and will figure it out soon enough. Hopefully some Christmas cards and decorating the barn soon will help me solidify the feeling of Christmas season.

2003-11-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

Posting again...
It is rare that I post this often, but I was just in the mood to write... I realized today at work, I daydream a lot. I was walking to and from horses stalls and was practically back at Mizzou. I miss so much stuff there. Mostly you people. I also realized the other night when talking to Patrick just how difficult it can be to know that someone else is experiencing the things you would if you were there. It's not a matter of being replaced because luckily us people are unique enough that we can't be just filled in, but still... It's a matter of what Pat was calling alternate realities. Those places where the road split and you went right instead of left. Who knows how much would be changed if you were there. Who knows if you would be there even if you weren't here. It's these crazy looping thoughts that complicate matters for me, especially when I am making some sort of attempt at life-changing decisions. Sweden? Florida? NC? How long? What for? Writing? Derek?
I have received all sorts of advice on the matter and people have both intentionally and unintentionally made their opinions clear. So, according to everyone I am suppose to follow my heart, remember my dreams, be true to myself, make myself happy (and often the unspoken one... make them happy). If I could just figure out what that all means. Much like my head, my heart is multi-faceted and indecisive. It's not that I don't know what I want out of life or what I love, it's just that I am not sure how I am suppose to make a path that allows for those things. So, any more concrete advice? I guess it all comes down to balancing D and the furry ones ... or something like that.

Just thinking out loud.

PS. Crazy day, we were missing Chuy for half of it and Andy for all of it. I did the work of three people on the ground and rode 4 horses. Crazy. But in a good way.

2003-11-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hold up, wait a minute....
Hehe... it's part of a Missy Elliot commercial playing alll the time out here. AND D and I heard it a ton! Of course he also got to see her at the taping of the Leno show he went to with my boss's sister. Very good times because I was working that day and he was getting bored of the cold and horses.
So cut to the highlight reel since I have little patience for writing down all the wonderful things that happened. There is just too much!
*Rode the ferris wheel at Santa Monica peir.
*Ate great seafood, still in Santa Monica
*Got serrenaded at Miceli's while enjoying Italian food.
*Gained a greater understanding for hip-hop and Tupac -- visited the Basement and saw Ressurrection.
*Hung out on the City Walk..... They have a fabulous Snidley Whiplash action figure... Ask D about the concept CD
* Introduced Courtney to Brandy... changed things up a bit
* Grilled Fillet Minon's and drank the wine I won. Candle lit dinners are so fun :)
* Made a list a mile long of things to do next time!!!

My cat is so smart... When D picked up his bags and asked her if she would miss him, she meowed and rubbed against his leg, right on cue! Of course I also had to hide her treats becuase she figured out in what bag they were and how to break the seal. Silly kitty!

Now the count down is to the Birthday which is next weekend, complete with a visit from Mo! It will be my first birthday celebrated away from home, but this has become at least homie too.
Less than a month till Christmas!!!!!!!!!

2003-11-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

How to fold a napkin into a ...
Use your imagination... Of course this ensued at dinner the other night at a nice French restaurant in No. Hollywood with Lasse, Ulf and Dennis. One more hint, before the napkin folding we were discussing the L.A. news story of the night: a condom found in soup at another local restaurant. Needless to say, the evening was full of fun and laughter. Ulf even seems to really be warming up to me. While Dennis kissed me good-bye, Ulf hugged, which I think is a big step. Of course, the more these boys and I get attached to each other, the tougher it will be to leave. As it is Lasse is set on the fact that I cannot leave before May 25 because that is exactly one year, and he's trying to figure out how to get Derek an L.A. job. It's hard to try to tell Lasse that while he's wonderful and so are the horses here, I really want to travel more before settling somewhere. And while L.A. is fun, I sometimes worry it is not a "Courtney town." Don't ask me to explain. It's just the way I feel. Who knows!

It's hard to think of good blog news at the moment because I just finished lesson planning for tomorrow's training on being a trainer. So my mind is still on horses and suppleness. By the way, let me know if you know a way to come up with 15 to 30 grand fast. More and more I love one of my horses here and I wish there were a way I could keep him. I keep trying to be less attached and more professional, but with all the stuff I am trying to balance and growing up, it's tough.

Still, I can't believe how time flies. I have been here six months, I am half-way through and I have started my Christmas shopping. Meagan and D's brothers are done. I just have to order Mom's! Dad and D are the toughest. Hmmmm...

Well, that's all for now, hopefully more fun and entertaining stories to come soon. One week till Derek!!!!!

2003-11-09T22:37:00.000-08:00

After today, I HAVE to post...
But I am tired and my trainer is here, so we might have to do this shorthand. So I hope you all tune in to "Will and Grace" because Just Jack is very much the clinician who is here. I love him!! He cracks me up, is fun to hang out with, a great rider and instructor, and he says I rode very well today! But moments in the evening included him asking the question "Who is gay?" Then turning around admiring his reflection in the glass door and waving!! He even put his arm around me and when I asked him about helping at his place in North Carolina, he said he would welcome and would like to have me anytime!!! But, he also recommended Europe first, but still NC is on the list, maybe post Sweden.
There is so much more to write, but little time right now. Laurie is here and loving it. We even visited the hotel that Swartznegger gallops through on horseback in "True Lies." There is a revolving bar on top where you can see the whole view of LA while sipping martinis and relaxing. It is the kind of weekend where I love this place and think myself crazy for thinking about leaving. And... ONLY a weekend and a half until D comes to visit!!!
Last note of the night... heard Bizzare Love Triangle on the way to the guys house. Thought of Pat and Erin. MISS YOU ALL!

2003-11-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

Posting again....
I keep trying to do this posting thing on a regular basis but it seems I am failing miserably. Ah well, here's for another bit of random thoughts from California. But first, a shout out to all the wonderful firefighters who put out the blazes out here. All of my friends and clients out here are ok, but we did have ash falling like snow at the barn for several days. An area the size of Rhode Island is burnt and thousands lost their homes. I feel very lucky and wish all the best to others. I am still wondering why these California people are afraid of tornados. The shit out here is much worse in my opinion.
Finally we are back to riding after fires, air problems, Santa Ana winds and rain. And to make that good news better, Dennis claim is giving a clinic this weekend, my riding instructor from back home, Laurie, is coming into town on Friday and there are only 15 short days until Derek's arrival!! As of tomorrow, it's one month until my birthday and a visit from Morgan. I have a lot to be happy about! All these fabulous things help to overshadow the lovely Swede I work with. Who knew Andy and I would get so close and have so much fun that I find myself wishing the other would go away.
Espanol
With as crazy as my schedule has been my attendance has been as sporadic as my blog, but I am enjoying it and meeting some peops. We might even get a group together to meet weekly and practice even after the class is up. It would be nice to have a little group like that. I am even starting to have some fairly successful conversations with Tony and the others at work. They sometimes giggle at my pronunciation, but at least they understand. I might even stop by a horse show with some of them next week. :)

I think that is most of what is on my mind for now. I do miss writing and at times I feel like these mountains between me and everyone I love are way too big. Any advice is welcome because traveling as a single girl out here is challenging... I even get stuck places... Thank goodness for nice Starbucks workers who take stuck girls home!

2003-10-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Guess who's back...
Well, after a short vacation from blog world, I have my first day off in two weeks and figured I should catch things up a bit. Sacramento was crazy. First few days were rough, just all those little stupid things going wrong and piling up, then about day three we rounded the corner and had a blast. Lasse and I went out for pizza, D's friend Tarek visited from San Jose and we went out, and on the last night we had some expensive champaign and not so expensive but good Chinese food. Lasse and I chatted all the way home about everything from rap music to sexuality. It was fun answering all his questions about music I like and sharing stories. Of course, we got home and things fell apart again. The poor guy didn't even feel like he could leave for Sweden, so he canceled his trip. I don't even want to get into the reasons for this, but although I love spending time with him I am frustrated with the situation.
I have been spending some time with the guys we met at the bar, while the roommate is glued to them, and I often just go hang out with the guys at the most Artisan-like coffee shop I have found here yet. Tonight, I go back to Spanish class, then in a week I am day-tripping it to Az. to see Mo!!!
The next couple months look to be a lot of fun minus the roomie, but I've lived with some rough ones before... and we'll keep hoping she gets shipped back to Sweden. Poor Andy is taking some of the brunt of this too. At least I don't have as many other issues to deal with at the same time as this.
That's all for now, though I am sure there is much more to come. And any of you that are interested and not is some silly foreign country, my doors are open for Spring Break!

2003-10-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Peaceful...
I never thought I would be the type to grow accustomed to living alone, but after three months of it, the roommate is an adjustment to say the least. She makes me seem quiet and shy. I don't think she ever stops talking about herself. So, I am taking deep breathes and trying to figure out a way to live with this for six months..... But for now, I am just relaxing to some India.Arie after dinner. After spending the day outside with my horses at the ranch, the music and quiet is so peaceful and exactly what I need. Don't get me wrong I still love people and going out, but sometimes these little quiet times are the best.

On the ranch...
I have to say, things seem to be going quite well, especially with my three horses. I am able to ask more and more of them each day and their progress and mine is steady. I am finally starting to feel like a trainer rather than just a rider. Lasse wants me to have Algot's flying changes perfected by the time my trainer, Laurie, comes to look at him. She's coming Nov. 7!!!!! I am so excited to share L.A. and my life here with her. I have missed her more than I ever thought I would, though this experience has been good for the both of us. She and Lasse get allong beautifully. And any kind of connection I can make between here and home is wonderful. Lasse adn Ulf also say that my training to be an instructor will intensify come Nov., which definitely excites me. I can't wait until I can officially say that I am no longer an ametuer.
Come Tuesday though I will be leaving the L.A. area for the northern city of Sacremento as groom for Lasse and Johnnie. While it will still be work, I am look forward to this vacation of sorts. Besides, I get to see a whole other perspective of this huge crazy (the election is in 6 days!) state.
Meanwhile I am working on a project to get all the horses' names and contact information on their doors in case of an emergency. The clients are excited about this one, and I really feel as if I am making progress in earnign my way here as a respected working student. It's an uphill climb, but worth it all the way.

Best news of the day!!!!!
I am flying home on Mon., Dec. 22 and staying until the evening of the 25! Three days instead of two! I can't wait to see everyone.

2003-09-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

Hip hop, blues, and long islands...
So, it's almost 3 a.m. and I am awake in L.A. Enjoyed a blues jam and a hip hop show both close to home. Aesop Rock was amazing for FREE at the Basement and stay tuned because L.A. Symphony is dropping a new album in Nov. And Basement will be rocking! Anyhow, after that we checked out the bar down the street, which was having a blues jam and filled with some friendly (not so presumptuous and horny) musicians. So we hung with John, Gary and Jessie. Poor Jessie attempted to teach me pool, and we chatted with everyone and enjoyed the music. I guess we were some of the few girls there, but it was a great show! :) Plenty of fun for all, and the guys kept the drinks coming. Yey for bars within walking distance of home... More in the morning or later tomorrow. Time for some sleep. I have almost been awake 24 hours. I think I could really grow accustomed to L.A.

2003-09-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

I like the nightlife...
Well at least I have started to experience it, and it was, well... interesting to say the least. My Swedish roommate (who makes me seem quite and shy) decided she HAD to go to a pub, a British pub. Ok, so despite being in America, I found a pub for her. And within a minute of arrival two martinis appeared. Some guy over there... Great! The strange man ended up buying us two roses each and trying to get more drinks. Gave use his number 'till we could stand him no longer! He was terribly boring and attempted to impress us with his money. Next came Chas and Corey who Ausa (the roomie) started talking to. So more drinks and numbers, and an invitation to a movie screening tomorrow that Corey made. Hmmm... who knows if we'll take him up on it. Strangely no one seemed to care as I repeatedly said I have a boyfriend. Might be kind of fun to see the screening, very Hollywood.
Some of the funniest moments included the Swede belting out "Sweet home, West Virginia." She can't even find the state on a map! Hell, she thought Chicago was a state, but is surprised I don't know any Swedish drinking songs. Silly, talkative Swede. Ah well, it's good to have a buddy and get out and about.

As for today
I had some great rides, which seems to be happening more frequently and the weather is finally starting to cool off. I have my plane ticket to Arizona at the end of August and in less than two weeks I will be in Sacremento!! Busy, busy is the best way to be.
Took Emma home today, saw Shaq's house and car and plenty of Bel Aire. I just can't imagine living as they do, but I was quiet about it, while Ausa kept askign Emma about how nice the house was, etc. The little girl almost turned bright red. All in a day in Cali. Still sometimes feels sureal to be here.

More as it comes!

2003-09-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Finally what I call a weekend
So it's really just half a day on Sunday and Monday, but at least it's some time to myself to rest up and relax. Of course for the fourth time since I got here four months ago, I took someone on the Hollywood, Walk of Fame tour. Mmmmm, got some Cold Stone ice cream too. Not too bad, and Ausa really enjoyed it. We also went and scouted out some potential late night hang outs, a pub, a dance club etc. Who knows if they will be good or not, but it's a start. Oh, and tomorrow I am going to sushi and Japanese food with Chris. Yey Mom and Shelley for that contact. Ausa is aready asking if CHris has friends we can go out with and I keep trying to explain that I don't really know him yet. Hopefully, he will be hitting up the Ace Rock with me too. Who knows.
Mexican groom update: Today I was given a coke. Quite refreshing after another scorching day in the Cali sun.
Ooh, but yesterday was the good one. Tony was all bugging me to give him a massage and I just finally turned to him and used a phrase one of the other grooms had taught me "I have too much to do." And since it was actually in Spanish he was all thrown off. Quite fun.
Before sushi I might go down to the farmer's market and shopping which are always good things for the day off. Tonight, I am going to finally see American Grafitti. I have only been meaning to see that for years! Ah well, not too much else. The riding is going well despite my lack of patience with myself, and Algot loves me so. Talks to me constantly as I work, which helps to pass the time.

2003-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Another day another...
Strange, strange world. Well, there is a roommate now, Ausa. She is really sweet and easygoing, very talkative and her English is great. Although right now she just is resting up from the trip, I think she will a bit more adventuresome than the last roomie. And she is staying until after I am gone, so getting along is good, very good. Had some wonderful rides today too! Ulf even helped me some, which he doesn't do half as much as Lasse. I do feel as if I am ready for the week to be over though. Only two more days. Then it's play day again! Yey! Mom sent me CHris' number so I hopefully will be in touch with him.

Oooh, and the latest in the Mexican groom saga, Godiva chocolates! Well, Tony gave me one yesterday, and he's been really helpful, just as long as he's not causing more craziness!
D, please translate your last post... it would be appreciated!
Also, the latest hip hop update... Aesop Rock is doing a free show in about a week at the hip hop store, so I will get to check him out.
In other news, I will also get to see Shaq's house next week. I am dropping off one of the students from the barn and she lives next to Shaq, so that could be interesting. I will let you know if there are any Shaq sitings....
P.S. Hockey preseason has started and though not very many other people care... Yey!!!! Let's go Blues!!

Love you all!

2003-09-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Espanol...
So, I am counting down the days until Spanish class begins... on Sept. 29. For one thing, the social opportunity of it all will be refreshing. For another, I have Tony, one of the only Mexican grooms who speaks English, getting in trouble with the rest of the guys for talking to me! Some kind of jealousy thing I guess. Meanwhile, the poor stall cleaner who is my age is babbling away at me in Spanish and I feel so bad all I can do is smile. He seems really nice, though I have no clue what he says to me.
The craziest of all of them is the one we call Mr. Happy because come afternoon he is singing so loud you can probably hear him downtown. I swear he must get drunk for lunch. And to make things interesting with him, rumor has it that he shot someone in Mexico. But he speads have the day chasing me around trying to "give me his heart" and flirt then the other half he spend well.... trying to show off his manliness to the one going through a sex change....

Talk about CRAZY, LOCO.... it's the same in any language.

Weekend update...
Well, the biggest news is that I got to ride for Dennis Calin in a clinic. Non-horse people, this means little to you, but it was really cool! Had a bunch of fun and learned a lot. My cute little horse Algot that I ride out here was so good. He only bucked and such a few times. Dennis calls it "getting the whirlies." I like that term. Hmmm.. "what's wrong with him, doc?" "Caught a bad case of the whirlies last winter." hehe.... That's just what it make my silly mind think of.
Besides that, I visited my hip-hop store, cried through Brian's Song, the Chicagoan in me had to see it, and ran the usual errands while enjoying the city. Enjoyed some jamba juice, ESPN and horse books/videos too.
Then tonight I baked some cookies as a thanks for the guys for paying my way through the clinic and as a welcome for the roomie who arrives tomorrow. Seems like life is going to pick up a gear here pretty soon.
Mom also remembered that she knows a guy who moved out here for the entertainment biz and might get me in touch.... Oooh, maybe a normal person to talk to. :)

6 a.m. comes quickly, so more later...

2003-09-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

All in a day's work...
A conversation you might overhear at the barn:
Lasse: Hey Courtney, did you see the legs?
Courtney: The what? (I am thinking a horse is hurt or something)
Lasse: The ten legs?
COurtney: No....
Lasse: You haven't noticed the water guy's legs?!?
Courtney: (laughing) Nope.
Lasse: Uffe, Courtney hasn't noticed the ten legs!
Uffe: No??... Courtney, you're missing them....
(Courtney is tending to a horse)
Courtney: Hang on.... Oh, yeah, I see...
Lasse and Ulf: Hehehe
Lasse: Good. Now you see!

** They later explained that this water man briefly had a replacement, and them and the two Swedish girl who were there at the time were discussing in Swedish how the replacement didn't have nearly as good legs as the usual guy... Turns out the replacement spoke SWEDISH!!! Ooops.... but I guess of the crew I am the last to check out guys' legs! Who knew.

So sad...
Rest in peace, John Ritter and Johnny Cash. Turns out Linda Goodfriend (was in Pretty Woman and on Happy Days) had a friend on the set with Ritter yesterday, and it came as a complete shock even to her. Life is too short. So Linda feels further encouraged to run up credit card debit and buy a new horse because really you only get one chance at this.
Also... The anniversary of Tupac's death is tomorrow. Already the L.A. airwaves are flooded with remixes and tributes. A small contingent of L.A. is expecting the man himself to resurface. Just ask Derek... Well, if he shows up tomorrow, L.A. will turn upside down. One Love, Tupac....

Spanish...
Class starts in about two weeks, and I got my materials and parking pass in the mail today! Should be good, and already the guys at the barn are volunteering to help me. Chuy especially has been helping me add a word or two to my vocab each day. Of course I can't show it off on here because it is conversational, but by the end of all this I should speak 3-4 languages. Wow!

Hugs to everyone! I miss you guys, especially on a Friday night! Might go check out my hip hop store or Starbuck if I am up to it. Otherwise I am watching more horse videos. Nothing like learning by immersion.

2003-09-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Goodie, goodie
As Lasse would say. (Poor Chuy actually had to ask me to translate that one the other day) But the good news is that Kalif and Zeppo were very good ponies (even Ulf commented!!) AND by working alone tomorrow, Andy is going to help me with Sunday. WHICH MEANS I should have a better weekend and a better ride in the clinic. I figure the hard work tomorrow will be well worth it since I don't know how often I will get to ride for this clinician. Luckily too Algot is back in action, so I will be able to get him moving well before clinic time.
Also in the good news category, we are moving ahead more with my learning to teach. Lasse has me making some lesson plans and such as practice and to help get my philosophy and teaching style down on paper. Somehow it seems that even after graduation I have managed to get myself into doing some homework. Ah well, if this means I get to be a trainer when I grow up, it is well worth it.

In a week...
I will have a roommate again. Who knows how this will work out. Although I thought I never would, I actually am adjusting quite well to it being just Gypsy and I. After all I can do whatever I please and not worry about weirdness anyone out or pissing them off. Maybe though we will get to explore more together and possibly meet some more people out here. All I know about this girl is that she is named Ulsa, from Sweden, my age and shorter hair than I have. The word is that she will stay 18 months, so she'll probably outlast me.
Strangely, Andy and I have agreed (getting along better every day) that we hope she is willing to work under the system we have adopted. After all, the vet and several clients have actually said that the odd pairing of Andy and I has been the best crew the place has had. Joan even seemed excited when I talked to her about learning to teach. Maybe even indicating that I would have her as a student when ready. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Crazy L.A...
1. I swear if I hear much more about Ben and Jen I am going to scream.
2. I was shocked and appalled to hear a man refer to a black man as a 'groid. I actually had to ask him what it meant. I am sure I didn't hide my emotions very well.
3. This town WILL go crazy if Tupac does reappear within the next few days, as some predict.
4. We (the guys, Andy and I) might be heading into Hollywood on Halloween, which is suppose to be the best gay costume parade EVER!
5. The consensus is that ANY gay man would totally love Derek. He's adorable!

2003-09-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Only in L.A...
would a man actually stop me just to tell me I have pretty skin and then walk away. That's all he wanted to tell me. Nice skin. Ok, thanks, sir and have a great day. You have certainly bewildered me.
And hooray for the return of grilling (thanks Mom and Dad). I enjoyed some tasty lemon-mustard chicken tonight, with burgers on the menu for tomorrow. Mmmm mmm. Grilling, starbuck, jamba juice... wonderful things.
Not only did that come in the mail today but also a sweet card from my little sis. It's so wonderful how mail can totally brighten your day. Someone can call me every day, but still when something appears in the mailbox I feel more at home and like doing a happy dance. (You can picture it right?)

New found happy place...
As I finally made my way to the Getty museum. Talk about a Courtney place. Just the structure and gardens of the art museum are stunning, and then within the walls unfolds some of the most diverse and intriguing art. My favorite of the day was the "Strange Days" display of photography from the 60s but there wasn't a bad exhibit to be found. So, when I went home I worked more on my scrapbook, which has become somewhat of an artistic endeavor. So, yes, wonderful day off, despite watching my poor hometown football team look like a bunch of idiots. I am not ready to say "there's always next season" YET. I do have faith... bear down, Chicago Bears!!

Other thoughts...
- Sweden seems more and more a possibility. SO, hopefully, Europe, here I come! Good news for D though, I am only planning on 6 months, so even with a halfway point visit, it will be shorter than this stretch to Thanksgiving.
- Three weeks till Spanish class! I am starting to get very excited!
- Love to all of you reading this! I miss you and can't wait for visits. All of you are always welcome, and just ask Mo, it's a happening time here.

2003-09-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

Best wishes to Kentucky!
I must start this entry by saying that this weekend my thoughts are in Kentucky. Laurie, Connie, Sandy and crew are competing at the Regional finals. And of course Laurie's mom and Mom are allong as moral and grooming support. From the conversations on the phone, they are having a blast. I can't even say how happy I am that I have been able to share Lasse with them as a clinician before the big show. The connection between my life here and there is great and helps to shrink the mountains and distance a little. Meanwhile, I am looking forward to visits from Mom and Dad in October, Derek in November and Laurie hopefully by January.
Keep your heads up and heels down crew!!

Buh-bye
As Jack Black says in High Fidelity... after all, I attended a gallery opening in Venice Beach followed by dinner at the Canal Club, a seafood and sushi restuarant on the same strip. The gallery opening was for Deborah Butterfield (check out her stuff if you ever have the chance). She does bronze casts of horses constructed from driftwood. All her pieces are one-of-a-kind and stand taller than even my 18-hand horse! The gallery was simply stunning. The Canal Club was tasty and fun with Lasse and Ulf as always adding their own little flavor to dinner. It was set then that I will go home for Christmas!!!!!!!! Yey! And we talked a little bit about my possible departure for Sweden next year. Lasse was thinking that June through December would be a good duration, good weather and once again home for Christmas with the family and D. Who knows where this will go! Of course the other question of the night: what to do when you change your sex from female to male only to find that NOW you like guys? Ulf thoughts: Once you're gay, you're always gay.

Made it through another week
Can you believe it's September already?? And good news is that payday is just around the corner. Of course my work week couldn't end smoothly. Instead Andy's alarm went off late and I was working alone the first hour. Of course my klutzy little Algot hurt his leg (not too badly) and I found out that next Sunday I am working AND riding in a clinic. Although at first I was almost resentful because the work load seemed overwhelming, now I am excited that Algot and I will get to do it. Let's hope for high success, low excitement and no bucks!
As for my day off, cleaning, laundry and the usual errands hopefully broken up by some fun times at the Getty .

In other news...
I am now a registered voter (paperwork is being processed) in California. Yes, I will vote in this insane election
AND
I am enrolled in a Spanish class starting at the end of this month at the LA Valley Community College. Fun, fun! I hope soon I will be able to have better conversations with Chuy (the other groom for Lasse and Ulf) and the other stall cleaners. And on that note, best thougts with Chuy who's having some issues trying to get his Visa and Green Card information worked out.

Well, that's all for now from the land of fruits and nuts. Let's hope the temps drop below 100 next week!

2003-09-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

If a male is a sculptor, then a female...
is a sculptress, according to Lasse. That one had me laughing for a while. But the reason for the sculptress discussion is quite fun. The long explaination would take the entire time I have to write this but the reader's digest version is that Lasse and Ulf know of a "sculptress" who specializes in horses and is having a gallery opening in Venice tomorrow evening. So they invited me to partake in the fun and posh little evening. Fun, fun.... quick, phone Mo... what to wear??
Meanwhile, things are going quite well. Running errands today and hopefully working some on the scrapbook and Poulin application. Maybe even catch a free movie this evening. Who knows.
As for yesterday, fun times for all. Rode four horses, so that made the day go quickly and enjoyably. Algot gets better every day, and Lasse says, so do I. So, I keep letting him chase me around and yell at me in hopes that it pays off. Let's hope his help is also paying off for my old riding crew and Mom, who are now competing down at the Kentucky horse park!! Best wishes and thoughts are with them for the week!
Not too much else at the moment. Sounds like the new Swedish girl is coming sooner rather than later, but who knows what that will be like - good, bad or indifferent. I just hope I get to keep riding and working as much as I am now.
I am off to run those errands!

2003-09-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Damn ants in my head!
For those of you who don't know, "ants in your head" is the lovely Swedish expression for having a lot to think about. I guess the ants are all the ideas running around or something. Ah well. The latest in the "ant house" as Lasse calls my head is his idea that rather than bringing a Swedish horse to me, I go to Sweden. Who knows how they came up with this one. But they have decided that they are worried about me getting enough opportunities next year with Michael Poulin in Fla. I still am interested in Fla. and the hope that it would put me on the same side of the U.S. potentially as Derek. But it has given me a bunch more to think about. Hence the ants!
Meanwhile, today I rode Kalif and Algot. Both were fabulous kids, especially Algot. Lasse helped me to get him moving so very well! And Kalif is starting to teach me some top level movements. Fancy, fancy. He's 18 years old, which is OLD for horses but still managed to take off with me and gallop around for a bit. What a goof!
I am working on getting the ball rolling on the potential run to the Chicago area for a day or two over Christmas!!!! That would make my year. Until that is finalized, I am looking forward to Thanksgiving with Derek and his aunt.
Another fun time away will come in October. I get to go with Lasse, Johnny and Connie to the bay area for the annual show. Lasse and I will be sharing an RV while living up there (and the man was all worried I would feel weird about living with him. Silly guy!). There will only be four horses, so I shouldn't be too overwhelmed and might even get to see a bit of the area. Fun times!
Other things on the horizon:
- Possible Spanish class at the local community college
- Visiting Jan Ebeling's training facility in two weeks
- Working on the Poulin app. and Aruba scrapbook

2003-09-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

In case you don't know...
This blog bears this name for several reasons. One: My lovely cat gypsy. She's fabulous. Just ask Mo. Full of personality and color. Also, of course CAT is my initials and well, I am living like a nomad for the time being.
Also, a preemptive apology to all my copyediting friends because this will be a very laid back blog with minimal editing and spelling efforts. It's here just to allow me a little more contact with all you wonderful people stretched out around the world. For those of you experienced bloggers out there. Feel free to HELP!! :) My blogging skills are limited and sometimes my patience for this stuff is too!
A shout out now to all of those still in Columbia: I send my love!! Listen to Katie Goodlovin and never graduate! It is way too overrated. I would like to also mention Patrick's fabulous blog with the Schneller story. Good times. I would watch that show in a heartbeat if he were on there. That would be a big damn deal!
And now for some fabulous things about living in LA:
1. Served coffee by someone wearing the nametag "Mr. Madonna"
2. The Basement www.basementhiphop.com. I saw Pigeon John and Abstract Rude there last week for my very first underground hip hop show on my own.
3. Getting to holler back at the show as part of the "818 crew"
4. Stalking stars with Morgan.... Watch out Dustin Hoffman!
5. Seeing beaches and mountains in the same day.
6. Crazy street performers
7. Hearing about high speed chases daily
8. A cold day is considered 50 degrees
9. LA Times
10. The most screwed up political race EVER!
Oh yeah, and the look on people's faces is great when I explain that I came here for horses.

So, there it is. Welcome to the blog. I will try to keep you all up to speed on happenings crazy and sane in the land of fruits and nuts before I head to Floride (cross your fingers) next year.

2003-09-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to blame the blog on the mountains. They always make me feel like I am on the other side of the world from everyone else. So, between the mountains, Pat and having my best conversation buddy be my cat, Gypsy, I thought I would join the club. No gaurentees on constant posts or crazy stories, but there should be a few. After all, I am in L.A. Where else can you see a midget Elvis performer on the streets, have Arnold and Larry FLynt running for governor and get sold maps to stalk stars by driving really slowly by their houses? So, here's to keeping in touch with the best 'buddies in the world who all should know every lyric to piano man.