A Time for Change

Well, 2012 is shaping up to be all about change. BIG change. SOOOOO much has happened since I last wrote a blog back in October. I wish I could go back and accurately and efficiently chronicle it all in great detail, but that would take page upon page upon page. I don't want to bore you. What I will do is try to sum up what has happened and what wonderful things are waiting in the wings.

First and foremost: I'M PREGNANT! If you're reading this, you probably already know me and have heard that little tidbit of information, but if not, I'M PREGNANT!
It came as a HUGE surprise to Tim and me. I'm 43 (gasp!) and we really didn't think it would ever happen...but just when you least expect it! Nathaniel "Nate" Sheldon Wadley will be an unbelievably miraculous blessing when he finally arrives this summer. He has already changed or is changing EVERYTHING from my business Lead Changes, to where we live, to what to do about my first baby, Syd. It's all happening very quickly, and a lot of it is still very much in the planning stages. I will add updates as they solidify. For now what I really what to talk about is "giving back."

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Uh Oh. Another diatribe on volunteering..." And you would be right. See here's the deal. After I had my riding accident several years ago, I didn't have a horse. Even after I bought the fabulous Syd, I didn't even think about hitting the show circuit until this past year. Since I desperately wanted to stay involved during those non-riding years, I started volunteering. I scribed; I jump judged; I painted fences; I picked up brush and hauled it to a burn pile; I was a show secretary, a ring steward; I made sandwiches...You get the picture: Wherever there was a need; you name it, I did it! And I am SO GLAD I did!!! You have no idea the wealth of information I picked up about my sport from doing all these different jobs! Even better then that: I met so many wonderful people. Horsepeople are some of the best folks around, and they love to talk "horse" with other horsepeople. I have talked horse with everyone from an 8 year old kid who aspires to ride at Rolex one day, to the volunteer coordinator FOR Rolex. I never would have met them without volunteering!

So here's what I really want to impress upon you: Show season is just about to really kick into high gear. I know we all can't wait! Most of your local shows, and even your area recognized events and recognized dressage shows, would NEVER happen without their volunteers. Volunteering isn't difficult; you don't have know anything at all...they'll usually teach you; and it doesn't have to be all weekend! Most shows are happy to have you for an hour or two! And I know we ALL have an hour or two at shows we could spare. So make all my fellow show secretaries and show organizers happy and volunteer a little bit of your time. You might be surprised at what you'll learn or who you'll meet! And hey! You MIGHT just have fun in the process.

And since I won't be showing this season, I'll be volunteering again myself. Hope to see you out there! (I'm stepping down from my soapbox now.) Happy 2012, and Happy riding!