Getting Packed

It's strange - given the whole "full care show barn" thing, in theory I have way less to worry about/remember/pack than I ever have for any other show, so I should be all easy breezy chill about it all.

But I'm not.

In fact, I'm probably more neurotic about my packing list for Thermal than I have been for any other show.  I started casually cleaning and packing a few things into my trunk weeks ago (my show boots have literally been packed for a month).  But other things I've been lackadaisical on and very comfortable not getting 100% prepped until the last minute.

I think the above average stress is stemming from 1) the fact that I've never (ever) packed for a three week show before. and 2) the notion that when I'm responsible for everything it's easier to double check what I have.  But since I'm not - I keep asking (the same) questions over and over again.  I have probably asked N whether she packs Prairie's blankets or I do at least four times.

This should be easy.  I ordered the blankets.  She took them from me, arranged for the monogramming, dropped them off to be embroidered, and picked them up again.  I haven't worried about a thing! And yet, this somehow short circuits my brain.  My usual process for packing is out the window and while some of that is nice (I don't need to wrestle hay bales or make grain baggies or make sure I have bute and extra first aid supplies...) it's totally screwing with my ability to account for the things I still need to be accountable for.

Long story short, I think we're ready.  I took advantage of all the xtra space in the trunk and packed all my show clothes in there (I mean why not).  I'm hoping that means I can keep my luggage to one carry on bag...

My dad even rigged up a semi genius pulley system that means I can load load/unload the trunk myself... Basically he set up up so I can lift the trunk from the beam of my deck (which is over my garage) and then back the truck up and lower the trunk back down.  Independent woman!!!

well, mostly independent.  Dad wanted to supervise the first use...

I took the trunk down today, added a new bag of horse treats for Prair, a few items I still needed for lessons (like um... my saddle) and called it good.

I patted the mare on the nose and told her to keep shedding because it's about to get balmy.

Next stop, Cali-forn-i-a!!