On The Second Day.

...of solo mom work trip I was awaken at 3:30 in the morning by a text message from a co-worker informing me of a tragedy back back home. A gun man had opened fire on a theater back home in Aurora, Colo. during the midnight premier showing of the new Batman movie. Several dead. Over 50 wounded. 

At 3:30... how do you digest something like that? After confirming the news on a few websites, I forced my self back to sleep. 

A few hours later while getting ready for my day, I watched the news unfold. Unbelievable. Watching the interviews with witnesses and victims, I couldn't help but think about Columbine. 

I was in a funk.

I had a long, long day ahead of me.

I need a vente, overpriced coffee and a mood change.

I headed to the horse show.

This morning was our youth board meeting followed by the kids' youth convention. Just what the doctor ordered. We efficiently went through our morning agenda and then started decorating for the convention. Convention was short and sweet this year but over 80 young equine enthusiasts had a wonderful time.

Our new Executive Youth Board was elected. I really am privileged to work every day with such an amazing group of kids young adults. They are all passionate, horse crazy and oozing with potential. Every job has it's ups and its downs. Without a doubt, mentoring these kids is the most fulfilling part of my job.

I rented a photo booth this year for the convention kids and had fun jumping inside and forgetting my real age and every graying hair. 

However, I also forget how much pressure there is involved in a photo booth. The timer ticks away and you have to come up with three different poses, faces, expressions. It's the ultimate coordinated event.

As you wait for that little photo strip to be ejected, you just pray that you don't look like a compete idiot. 

But what the doctor really ordered for the day came at the board dinner that evening at Bucca de Beppo. A wonderful serving of perfectly rich chocolate cake. 

I order a whole chocolate cake for the dinner. A $50 worth-every-penny chocolate cake.