You have decided you want to start barrel racing, you are having problems, or just need some help keeping your objectives straight and being motivated. All of this can be straightened out with goal setting. When you set goals you have to take in the level your horse is able to compete at and the level you are able to compete at. Maybe you want to just do local shows to start out with. Or you have been doing local shows and decide you want to maybe do a National Barrel Horse Association show or another larger association show. You are going to have to take extra steps that you maybe didn’t have to before to compete at a higher level.
Smaller Shows
If you decide you only want to compete in smaller shows, like saddle clubs, you still need to have goals in mind. You need to think about what events you want to enter, and if you horse can handle it. Small shows have several events. Do you know how much your horse can handle? One event or five? Set a goal for what events you want to compete in, and keep it. Make sure your horse is physically able to compete in these events, you don’t want him to get injured.
The benefit of smaller shows are the entry fees are less, you can get exposure for your horse without having to pay a lot of money, and you get better practice in. Some of the saddle clubs can be very competitive as well, so you get an idea of what a serious competition can be like. After you have some confidence with your ability to barrel race, maybe you want to try a bigger show.
Bigger Shows
Competing in say, the NBHA, involves more money for one thing. Entry fees for saddle clubs are usually only a few dollars, where NBHA entry fees can be around $25 a race. But the bonus is that it is usually a payout race, and with the new 4D format, everyone has a chance to win. So you need to decide if you are willing to put in the extra entry fees, and if your horse is ready to compete at this level.
Bigger shows are usually just that, bigger. There are usually more horses, more riders and more competition. You will be running against some of the best riders and horse combinations in your state. This can be a big emotional change for you and physical change for your horse. At small shows, you may be competing in several different events were at larger shows, it may just be barrels and poles.
In NBHA shows, there are three divisions. Youth, for ages 18 years and under, Open for any age, and Senior for ages 50 and over. You have the opportunity to compete twice, in either the Youth or Senior and then also Open. More chance for winning, but more money for entry fees.
Here are things you need to take into perspective if you think you are ready to move up a level;
* Are you prepared for the cost? - Entry Fees, More Mileage hauling to shows all around the state or region
* Are you prepared for the time to compete at this level? - There are usually several shows in a month, the shows are usually long, lasting most of the day
* Your horse will have to be more physically and mentally fit to compete here, can he handle it? - You and your horse will be waiting around a lot because of the number of competitors, he will be racing in different arenas with different footing
* This is different competition then you are used to, do you feel mentally strong enough to move up? - Maybe you were the top rider in your local club, but you didn’t rank as high at the larger show as you did in the smaller one. Don’t let it get you down if you don’t do as well the first time you go out. It will take time to get into a steady rhythm. If you have a good relationship with your horse, he will take care of you. Also, there are most riders you are competing against now
Set appropriate goals
If you want to just try a bigger show, try just go to a few and keep going to the saddle clubs you have been going to. Don’t push your horse are yourself too far to fast. Be realistic about your abilities and your horses. The horses health, age, breed, training and mental state all revolve around your decision.
If you are having problems at home, or are feeling discouraged, reevaluate why you started barrel racing in the first place. It is supposed to be fun! You need to get back into the fun part of it. Go to the local shows and do some of the fun events. Reset your goals of what and when you want to accomplish with your horse. Maybe he is a new one you have started because your other horse is getting a little older. Maybe your new horse just isn’t catching on as fast and you feel a little let down. You were so used to your other horse, and this new one takes a lot of concentration and work. Set a day when you want to take this horse to a show, and work from there. Even if it is a year away, you will have that goal in your head.
Billie McNamara has been barrel racing for 14 years, competing and winning in several events. She offers coaching and training in barrel racing and information can be obtained from her at brrlrcer3@maine.rr.com or her website, http://www.barrelraceinmaine.com
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, you’ve heard the buzz: bird flu, avian flu, pandemic. Heck, even Ted Koppel admitted he’s been doing outside reading on the Flu’s origin. What does it all mean? Is it really cause for concern? As always it’s best to educate yourself on the state of affairs, then decide what you can do.
What we know: President Bush has outlined a 7 billion dollar program to prepare the US for the outbreak of the avian flu virus. Thanks much, but studies also report that even with this large number there could be a shortage if we reach a full blown pandemic (Never mind the question, where-o-where will we find the 7 billion?).
Therefore, before we become panic stricken, let’s first note the facts beginning with the query: Why is this flu such a concern?
What we know: The particular strain of influenza H5N1 has shown up in birds first in Hong Kong and moved throughout Asia. The cases of human casualty have all been with persons in contact with the virus (I could only find one exception to this). Thus, the majority of deaths (somewhere around 60) have resulted from contact with an infected bird. From this we conclude, in all likelihood H5N1 in its current form does not spread from person to person.
The fear: The virus mutates to form a hybrid version that can become airborne and spread from human to human at an alarming rate. This frightens researchers because humans have not developed immunity to one particular protein in the strain. In all likelihood? The mutation could simply lead to a less severe version of the original. The absolute worst case scenario: The virus becomes self evolving creating a rapidly spreading pandemic.
What we know: Immunologists seem in agreement that most humans build an immunity to a variety of influenza strains and a strong immune system can be the first responder to a flu attack. Although several prototype vaccines are currently being developed, there is no guarantee that they will be able to conquer a mutated virus, and while two antiviral drugs “Tamiflu” and “Relenza” are believed to reduce the severity of H5N1, they must be given within a 24-48 hour period after infection. Yet the same mutation disclaimer could also apply. The shot then, while always a good idea for special populations and children, does not offer a magic bullet as far as this scientist can speculate .
Are we all sitting ducks then, waiting to be swallowed up by such devastation? I say: a resounding “No!” What we should be publicizing is: There is much you can do to arm yourself. First, have hope. Next, learn to build your immune system. Exercise, proper nutrition, sound sleep and meditation are all things you can do on a daily basis that will stimulate the immune system and build your force field against dangerous pathogens. It’s not just me saying so, either. This is the prescription given by researchers at Columbia University’s School of Public Health.
And finally, As much as I believe it is important to be well informed about the state of the world at large, take a break from the negativity, and forget about natural selection. While Darwin may be looking down and wringing his hands from above, God knows we’ve all got better things to do.
For more info visit: www.pandemicflu.gov
Resources: USA Today Associated Press
Laser Beams can be used to change the ionic bonding of elements and compounds, which in turn can make them combine or repel and thus could help us in pre-operational mining efforts on the moon. If we find compounds with hydrogen and oxygen in them; then we can use the laser beams to bombard those compounds and separate them and then allow them to re-combine into water or to make oxygen to breath and hydrogen for fuel.
Perhaps we can do some pre-mining operations on the moon from the ISS or from a space satellite relay system? How could this be done? Well, perhaps by collection the electromagnetic energy from the Earth’s movement thru space, by way of giant tethers or entergy tails and then focus all the energy into space and then reflect it back onto the moon. On the moon near the area of mining, there would be additional repeater reflectors, which would be focused on specific areas. These would be the areas where compounds existed which could be separated to collect the pure elements needed for collection. Holding matter together with light:
http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/10/1/8/1
By breaking down these elements and re-combining them thru laser conditioning and manipulation we can make pools of water which would freeze and be waiting for us when we arrived with our robotic systems to build the Moon Colony facilities. Consider this in 2006.
“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
I could nearly fund my children’s future education if I received money every time I’ve heard a woman say, “I wish I could afford to stay at home full time.” Sometimes you can recognize a few working women making this statement to avoid judgment from the stay-at-home parenting world (and they shouldn’t feel this way). However, a majority of these women truly prefer to be at home, and are spending days trapped in a work “cell” and feeling committed for life.
First and foremost, I would like to stress that I am not going to join the pros or cons of either side of this debate. I have been both a working mother and a stay-at-home mother. I think they both have their advantages and disadvantages. I have equally loved and loathed both on any given day!
When I was working in sales and marketing, I loved the ability to meet new people, to negotiate, to close deals, to be given a task, a goal, a deadline, and to be able to start and finish a project. The hardest transition to full time “mommy” world for me is that no task or project ever seems complete. I make the meal and it’s quickly eaten. I make and clean up after another meal, and another meal only to be greeted by requests for many impromptu snacks. I do the laundry, and it’s worn, becomes dirty and needs to be done again. I wash the dishes, the floor, clean the house, and within a matter of hours my hard work is all undone. This applies to the bigger projects as well, like reorganizing cupboards, closets, and drawers, although at least this usually buys me a few days of pride and satisfaction, rather than just a few hours.
However, even though my tasks may never seem accomplished, my house never as clean as I feel it is suppose to be, there are days when I am playing with my children, laughing, hugging, holding them and I think I would have missed moment. Everyday they grow and change and it becomes harder to remember what they were like the month prior, nonetheless a year prior. For this I am thankful for an opportunity to have these special “mommy” moments.
I think that we as women have such strong bonds and influence on each other in friendships and in family relationships. We need to use that influence and stop debating each other over who is right and who is wrong in the stay-at-home or work debate and just accept that we each have our own “right”.
For women who desperately yearn to be home with their children, we need to fight for employers and businesses to create better work at home opportunities so that if money is an issue, and a dual income is necessary, it doesn’t have to be at the cost of our desired family life. After carrying a child inside of us for nine months and giving birth, we have earned the right to spend every waking moment with him or her is we so desire.
For women who truly enjoy and thrive in a work atmosphere, I say then don’t feel guilty. I am taking pleasure in a hiatus right now, but I sincerely enjoyed working as well. Women have labored a long, hard time to pave the way for the success were seeing in today’s culture and you needn’t give that up to become a mother if working makes you happy. The popular saying that relates to families “if Mom is happy, we’re all happy” couldn’t be more true!
I will emphasize that as a working Mother or parent, you do need to set boundaries with your employer, and let them know that your family is as important as your career. When I was working, I fought for and demanded a part-time flexible schedule that worked for my family.
Except for the occasional project, I made it a priority to leave the office on time everyday, making it understood by my boss and coworkers that this was my schedule and I would not impress anyone with late night office departures.
Coincidently, in every office I have worked in, it is often those who consistently spent most of their day accomplishing very little, that ended up burning the “midnight” oil. I spent my days working smart and efficiently, and felt no guilt at my “on time” departure routine. So don’t feel pressured to stay late, because it looks good in the eyes of your coworkers. My bosses always knew how hard I worked, and none of them blinked an eye when I left for the day.
So ladies, instead of debating each other, let’s use our influence, our power, our minds, and our hearts, to help each other do what is right for one another; even if our “right” may be different from someone else’s. We all need to work together in order to continue to make a difference. Together, we can make certain that work choices, family flexible schedules, and genuine work from home opportunities are available to us so we can support our families both financially and emotionally.
We may not always agree when it comes to various parenting issues, but I am certain as parents we can unanimously agree that we all love our children.
Tina Frazer is the Founder of Let’s Be Friends.net, a friendship website for women.
Let’s Be Friends.net promotes and encourages new friendships among women of all ages* and stages of life who share similar interests, lifestyles, and values. Our mission at Let’s Be Friends.net is to reintroduce friendship as a priority in women’s lives. For more information about Let’s Be Friends.net visit http://www.letsbefriends.net
*Members must be at least 18 years old.
The 30th Annual Franklin Classic will run on Labor Day…beginning at 7:00 for the 5K Run and 7:30 for the 10K Run. There will also be a 4K Walk and a Kid’s Kilometer. Both the 5K and 10K Runs are certified and ChampionChip timed.
The Franklin Classic is one of the most popular races in Middle Tennessee…and quite a draw for competitive runners. It benefits the Mercy Children’s Clinic…and participants from all over the world start this race in downtown Franklin Tennessee.
Residents who live along the racecourse will have chairs set up in their front yards and will host breakfasts for viewers.
Historic Franklin Tennessee is a 15-block Historic District on the National Register. It offers more than 70 unique retail, dining and entertainment opportunities. The University of Tennessee has named it the #1 small town in Tennessee…and Country Living Magazine has named it one of the five best places in America to shop for antiques.
Shoppers find such things as handmade soaps, hand poured candles, out-of-this world chocolates and European papery. And who wouldn’t get hungry with restaurants with names like Lillie Bell’s or Merridees’ Breadbasket? True southern hospitality at its finest!
While you’re in town, you won’t want to miss looking at the beautiful architecture in Franklin Real Estate. The entire area is so beautiful with the rolling hills and picturesque landscape that you will want to stay forever in this quaint little town.
The Bendable Dong has an add on vibration booster, to be sure, this is a toy of the highest performance. The Bendable Dong has wonderfully designed ribs, that are sure to help boost your sexual enjoyment to another league. The flexible material of the Bendable Dong allows penetration at angles that are rarely possible through straight intercourse, meaning you can experiment with fun found enjoyment and hither to un-discovered regions of your body. The Bendable Dong can be ordered in many different colours, lengths and widths. As well as being great fun, the Bendable Dong is made with non-toxic acrylic, so you be happy that it is definitely quite harmless to enjoy.
The Bendable Dong has been a great seller for Pleasure More over the past four years. It’s popularity is due to it’s pleasing aesthetics. Men of any orientation also have fun times with this glass dildo. The Bendable Dong is a perfect product for stimulating both female erogenous zones. This little beastie is the perfect addition to any enthusiasts collection. This double ended dildo is a brilliant first time buy for anyone who does not already own a sex toy. The ideal toy for lonely nights at home.
The producer of the Bendable Dong, Pleasure More are considered the oldest and loved brands in the production and distribution of vibrators. They are distributors for a huge number of different legendary toys for example the 6 Inch Suction Cup and of course the Sensual Bender. Pleasure More are amongst the most price competitive, so you can buy your vibrator sure in the knowledge that you are never likely to see a cheaper deal by another company.
This week’s article assumes that you have chosen a goal, dream, or task for yourself. You may or may not have started implementing your step by step plans yet. Are you a bit shaky in your faith though? Maybe you have a tendency to doubt your ability to carry this thing out to completion. You need a support system that will hold you up when the road gets rocky.
Think about the people you know. Who believes in you? Who do you think would believe in your goal? Ask them to be your cheerleaders. Don’t be discouraged if there is only one person whom you feel is truly safe and will give you unconditional support. Whether it’s one person or one hundred does not matter. You decide how many cheerleaders you need for any given dream and which ones to choose.
Tell them your dream. Don’t be squeamish or shy about it. Just say it out loud. Ask that they hold you to your highest potential and help you to not make excuses when you are afraid and want to quit. They will say yes and do it for you or you would not have chosen them to be your cheerleaders.
Jennifer and I had been friends for about three years when I had finally decided to start my own business as a motivational speaker and writer. I had been telling everyone for years that I would be doing this ’someday’. While staying the weekend with her, she asked me how my new career was going. I told her I couldn’t do it because I’d been overcome by fear and doubt. I recited for her all the logical fears and doubts that I’d come across. I pointed out how outsiders were also bringing up these same concerns and therefore they must be real and valid. There were just too many logical reasons to quit.
She never responded. I felt as if I was talking to a wall. She just sat there blank. This was my very best friend. We were known for talk-a-thons that our husbands and children couldn’t compete in and yet she wasn’t saying a single word to me. She wasn’t responding to my very real fears. I took it as validation. She must agree with me and since it’s her nature to be incredibly loving and supportive, she must not want to say it out loud. “Yep, Jen knows I bit off more than I could chew and is just too sweet to say it out loud!”
Later that same evening, we were sitting at her kitchen table and I told her I was somewhat surprised that she didn’t utter a peep when I was telling her all the reasons I should not, could not, would not start the business after all. I assured her that I wasn’t angry at her for not responding, but that I was just surprised. I had never known her to be speechless before.
She looked at me straight faced and said, “As long as I’ve known you, you were going to do this. I just figured you would still do it. Have you come up with a name for your business yet?” She then offered some ideas for business names. I pretty much hated all the ideas that she threw out at me. My daughter jumped in and suggested we call it The Motivation Station. Jen and I were laughing as we quickly discarded that idea. We pulled out paper and pens and started brainstorming business names. We were also playing around with designing a logo, letterhead, and business cards. I completely forgot that I had given up on starting my own business.
I did not choose a name until the next day while driving the four hours to get back home. She had planted the seed of naming my company. She had set me back into forward motion. She had simply stated her undying faith in me, carried my dream for me, continued forward with my dream when I did not think I could, and then handed it back to me when I wasn’t even looking. She expected me to live up to my best. She never doubted that I would keep moving forward and succeed.
Not only had I picked my dream back up, I had named the thing! I couldn’t wait to get home because my next three or four steps were laid out for me. I had to register my business name with the state, print up business cards, and start doing trademark research. I couldn’t wait to get back to work! Jen’s the best cheerleader.
Originally, I had not thought to include the idea of a personal coach in with the concept of cheerleaders. Now that I’ve chewed on it for a while, I think of them as professional cheerleaders. You may or may not feel unconditional love from them like you would a personal friend or relative, but they are making their living at being really awesome cheerleaders. They are paid to give you rah rah speeches and to have clever ideas and such to help you when you hit those down times while on the road to living out your dreams. Personal coaches can definitely be of help. Like anything else, you get what you pay for, so shop wisely.
Even if you only have one cheerleader in your corner, know that they are perhaps your most valuable resource when battling against fear. Your cheerleader will carry your vision for you when you can’t see it clearly. Your cheerleader believes in you with or without your goals. Your cheerleader holds you accountable for your life. Your cheerleader will let you give your goals voice until you get used to hearing it said out loud to others.
Thank your cheerleaders by returning the favor. You can cheer them on with their goals and dreams too. What greater way is there to say “thank you” or “I love you,’ then to be someone’s cheerleader?
This article was adapted from a segment of Beyond the Inner-Critic by Skye Thomas, copyright 2003.
About The Author
Skye Thomas began writing books and articles with an everyday practical approach to spirituality, motivation, and inspiration in 1999 after twenty years of studying spirituality, metaphysics, motivation, and parenting. More of her articles can be found at www.tomorrowsedge.net as well as free previews of her books.
skye@tomorrowsedge.net
While it’s important to celebrate the mother’s up-coming birth of her child, the Celebrations team knows it can be difficult to come up with memorable baby shower ideas. Luckily, we have the tips and advice you need to create a perfect day for the mommy-to-be. From the cake and decorations to the guest list and paper invitations, we have great advice for a memorable time.
Celebrate the mom-to-be with an elegant Baby Shower Tea Party to make a memorable celebration perfect for any expecting mother.
Baby Shower Tea Invitations
Have your guests set the date with stylish formal invitations that you send through the mail.
Invitation Tips
For optimal RSVP ease, list a phone number and e-mail address.
Add a line in the card telling guests where the mother-to-be is registered.
If money or a donation is preferred, tell guests that a donation is preferred.
Decorations in White
Use shades of white for your tables.
Cream embroidered silks would be a perfect choice for your table.
White China with elegant designs make for a perfect table style.
Use short white flowers arrangements so guests can chat across the table.
Tea Time Frivolities and Favors
We have good ideas on how to make your baby shower memorable. Have some great tea themed favors and activities.
Find yourself a tea leaf reader for fun fortune telling.
Create a favor pack by wrapping a teacup with designed sugar cubes and a tea infuser with a small decorative teaspoon.
Afternoon Tea Menu
Begin the first course with finger sandwiches and scones followed by sweet chocolates and petit fours.
For a party at home, let the host enjoy herself and serve all of the food at the same time so that everyone can eat together.
Courtesy of Celebrations expert, Jeanne Benedict.
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Although the autopsy is inconclusive and tests on the food are not yet complete, a porridge made of EdenSoy Extra soy milk and cornmeal may be responsible for the deaths of two infant brothers living in Brooklyn.
When their mother attempted to wake them, shortly after noon, she found they were unconscious and took them to the hospital. Both were pronounced dead on arrival.
Initial thoughts were that the twins had been overcome by a gas leak, but tests showed no leak.
Because medical examiners also found no evidence of choking as a result of consuming the food, or any signs of foul play, the police instead began focusing on what the infants had eaten. The police cleaned out two nearby supermarkets of EdenSoy milk and cornmeal for testing.
New York Times October 21, 2005 Registration RequiredNYNewsDay.com October 22, 2005
Dr. Mercola’s Comment: If you ever wondered why I’m so concerned about the health dangers tied to the rampant use of soy products — especially in processed foods — this kind of incident is exactly the reason. In my view there just simply isn’t any justification to ever use soy formula or worse, soy milk, in infants.
This isn’t the first time soy milk has been investigated for its toxic side effects. Separate incidents in California and Arkansas prompted the FDA to issue a 1990 warning against using soy milk as a formula substitute. Most brands have followed the tougher FDA labeling guidelines, except EdenSoy, says Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, author of The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food.
In fact, the deaths of three infants prompted the Israeli Health Ministry to issue a health advisory earlier this year, recommending babies not be fed soy formula — except as a last resort — and severely limiting a child’s intake of soy products.
Without question the best food you can give your infant is breast milk and this should be your primary choice if at all possible, as it is the healthiest source of milk you can give to your infant. I believe very strongly all soy formula should be avoided andis not fit for human consumption.
If breastfeeding is not an option,the best article I ever read on the topicis one published in a recent edition of the Weston Price ogranization. I am on their board and was able to obtain reprint rightsfor their article onhealthy alternatives to breast milk and commercial formula from Sally Fallon to run it in our newsletter. I would strongly encourage you to review thismulti-part series in this issueif you are unable to breastfeed.
When making the alterntaive to breast milk described in the article, ideally, it would be best to use raw milk as the base (other ingredients to add are described in the article). The best way toget it is tofind a local dairy farmer in your areathrough your local health food store orthe Real Milk Web site. Raw milk is a safer and farhealthier alternative to pasteurized milk.
This article is reprinted from Mercola.com, the world’s #1 most visited and trusted natural/alternative health website. For a limited time only, you can take the FREE “Metabolic Type Test” to help you learn the right foods for your particular body type so you can achieve optimal fitness & health. Just go to http://www.mercola.com/forms/mt_test.htm right now to take this quick test!
