After one week in Thailand, I’m coherent enough to possibly crank out a quick post. Usually a pro at jetlag (get on the local schedule ASAP, stay hydrated, go for walks when you get tired!), I was sucker punched this time around. Fortunately, I had a very soft landing. The leadership team at Ruamrudee International … Continue reading A little loopy (thanks jetlag!) but happy in Bangkok
As I prepare to move to Thailand, I’m camped out at our house in The Villages, a 55+ community in central Florida. When my parents moved here, we bought this place as a vacation rental while abroad and as our home base when visiting the States. The only other time I’ve spent more than a … Continue reading Faux Retirement Suits Me
When I returned to the States last June, I felt pretty darn confident that my teaching days were over. I gave away my teaching materials. I unsubscribed from all the educational websites and bloggers that used to fill my email inbox. I stopped scrolling through twitter for new classroom ideas. I leapt into the horse … Continue reading Wanderlust Wins as Equine Education Wraps Up
For the last 21 years, I’ve been teaching overseas. My brother was in the Air Force, and then he also became an international teacher. Both my sisters married military guys, so they rarely stayed in one place for long. Finally, we’re all living in the States! You would think it would be easier to get … Continue reading Short but sweet – Cumberland Falls family reunion
At EquiLightenment, education is part of the ethos. Whether you’re a horse, an intern, or an accomplished equestrian, you are likely to learn something new every day. As an intern, my whole job is to learn. Working with Sharon and Jess, I continue to relish experiences that pop out of my textbooks and into real … Continue reading Feeling Grateful for Teachable Moments
Enrolled in Equine Reproduction this semester, I have read extensively about mare and stallion anatomy, studied the process of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, watched a testicle dissection video, and even sculpted a horse vagina out of Play-doh. So I feel pretty book smart when it comes to making a baby horse. I just haven’t actually seen … Continue reading Crescente’s countdown – Equine Reproduction textbook comes to life
Since heading back to college last fall, I knew I would be required to complete an internship. The thought made me anxious. As a veteran teacher, I’m used to being one of the experts in my field, but in the horse world, I’m a rookie. I worried about feeling stupid. I worried about making embarrassing … Continue reading Finding my bliss at equine internship
Since starting my petsitting gig in August, I have been eager to share this experience with my family. My mom has been here a few times, and my sister, Megan, and her kids have visited, but I really wanted the whole gang here at once. Wendi, the farm owner, was traveling the week after Christmas, … Continue reading Funny Farm – Sharing My World with the Family
For my Christmas present to all the nieces and nephews this year, I planned a bowling party. Their enthusiasm and shenanigans, including lots of silly performances following strikes and spares, kept us in stitches. Compared to the last time they all bowled together in the summer of 2018, they’re all so dang big now. They … Continue reading Bowled over
Meet Josephine, the first alligator to steal my heart. (Chances are, she’ll be the only alligator to steal my heart.) The 7-year-old gator is a farm-reared pet at Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures, where we got the opportunity to hold her. I was surprised by the rubbery feel of her skin and the soft texture of … Continue reading Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures – zipping around Lake Panasoffkee