What Would Jessie Wear?

In all of my preparations for my stay at the ranch, the biggest question on my mind was, "What should I wear?". Typical female. Having never been on a ranch, even ridden a horse, I had no experience to draw from. When I thought cowgirl, this came to mind:

The funny thing is, I wasn't too far off! Mind you, this is a guest ranch. People come from all over the country, the world, even, to get the western cowboy experience. They come, also, w

ith expectations shaped by popular culture thus Woody and Jessie come to their minds as well. And what the customer wants, the customer gets!

The typical female that I am, I decided to research footwear first. Boots! Recruiting the expert help of my dear friend Fabes, we journeyed to Boot Barn on a quest for the perfect cowgirl boot... and we found it!

The Ariat Heritage Boot in Russet Rebel features:

Quality Genuine Leather Uppers in Black.
Ariat's "Dress" Western with ATS technology.
Leather Lined Shaft.
Cushion Insole featuring:
EVA orthotic footbed.
Gel Cushioned forefoot and heel.
Stabilizing composite fiber forked shank.
Long Wearing Duratread Outsole.
1 5/8" Western Heel.
Medium Round (R) toe.

Surprisingly comfortable and stylish, I'm very happy with my purchase. Even though it cost me an arm and a leg, my coordinator tells me I'll be wearing them every single day. Maybe I should get two and alternate wearing them...

How It Happened

Last summer, after I obtained my dental hygiene license and before I really started looking for a job, the idea came into my head to take a vacation before I settled down to work as a hygienist. My dream vacation was to spend a week on a ranch in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and learn to ride horses. One Saturday night in September, I did some research but went to bed disappointed at how expensive those vacations cost.

The next day, lunching after church at Fullerton's Tranquil Tea Lounge, I met a pleasant young man who shared with me about his experience working on his uncle's ranch in Colorado. Immediately I became excited and told him that I had been wanting to visit Colorado in that setting. I felt that this meeting was a prayer answered, especially when he offered help in getting a job for me there.

The rest of how it happened was just a few months of waiting, a few e-mails exchanged, an application (and photo) mailed, a phone interview, and I had the job! In fifteen days, I'll be an employee of Lost Valley Ranch, under the leadership of Bob Foster. Ooooh-aaah! And that's how it happened!

Joy to the World

This is my blog. Read it. Or not.

But if you want to know about my Lost Valley Ranch adventure, it would save me the effort of repeating the story over and over again to the lovely friends, acquaintances and colleagues who are sweet enough to ask, "What's new?".

However, writing takes a great deal of effort of its own. I prefer speaking/writing only when spoken to/written to. Please bear with me as I try to figure this whole blogging thing out. Like figuring out when to stop writing...