This summer…the summer of independence, I’ve learned a lot and got to try new experiences that I wouldn’t have if I was in the city. I got to fly to Texas, hike in flip flops, be a pizza chef, and see too many daddy long legs to count. I got to jump 2 feet on a horse in LI, practice for show jumping (got champion overall XD), learn all about how to take care for horses, and make intrepid friends. I got to cook and bake, cookies, dumplings, and shrimp bisque. And… I was blessed with a new baby boy cousin and had a stupendous time bonding with my grandma. This summer was so far the best I ever had.

Here are times where I saw growth in myself (and humor):

Messing up badly with horse cookies (the batch turned out to feel like soggy fruit leather) and still persuading Molly (my horse for the summer) to eat them.  This was my first experience taking the lead chef position while my mom stood back and watched. I got to learn about my mistakes and was able to fix them myself. The next time the cookies were a whole world better!

Those are my second try on the cookies, looks tasty!

Getting a second degree burn and being able to use my first aid knowledge to help (and the doctor’s wisdom too). I was able to keep calm and be brave while the pain was intense.  I had to take responsibility and chose to take of it myself and not rely on others.  If you don’t want to see something gnarly, skip this part.

This is my burn when it popped, eww.

I set goals for the summer.  One was jumping a full 2 foot course. I surpassed that challenge.  My trainer and support from all my friends at the barn gave me motivation.  I felt confident because I knew I was working hard.  I needed to have a lot of perseverance and not to give up.  Because of this they are recommending that I compete in show jumping starting October.

This me jumping a 1’9-2’0 foot elevated oxer. An elevated oxer is when 2 jumps are put together but 1 jump is higher than the other.

My grandma and I learned a lot this summer. I learned what’s it like to be away from home for a long time. And I taught her how to boil water, and make pasta. But most importantly we learned about each other. We were roomies, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Those are my crazy highlights of my incredible summer, and I can’t wait to have an even better summer next year.