Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Jeremiah 29:11

“I used to think I could shape the circumstances around me, but now I know Jesus uses circumstances to shape me”
-Bob Goff

I sat at my desk, halfway spinning my chair back and forth just far enough so that I could still stare at my computer screen. I typed, deleted, re-typed, deleted, as I drafted an article about the Virginia Horse Center. It's so funny to me that something that played such a significant role in my childhood is now creeping its way back into my life.

I thought that when I left for college, that chapter of my life had closed. I made peace with leaving the home-town riding experiences I had when I was younger and understood that it would never be the same. But as I sat there, I thought about my days as a younger rider. My early mornings, humid afternoons, and late nights spent at Hazelwild Farm. The friendships made, and broken, and mended. The lessons learned, the easy way and the hard way.

And I realized something. 

A little bit of background - Throughout most of my riding as a kid, I never really felt good enough. Sometimes I was confident, sure, but I was never satisfied with my results, my progress, or where I was at compared to other people. In some ways I can say that it drove me to become the better rider and person that I am today. But in other ways, it tore me down. I was emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. And I was no good at hiding it. I spent countless horse shows crying over how "poorly" I performed. Countless lessons being angry at myself for making a mistake. Countless days critiquing myself as I watched videos of my riding over, and over, and over again.

I now realize that all of that negativity was useless in the pursuit of my dreams. In times of frustration, I remind myself of how embarrassing some of those breakdowns were. I also try to remind myself that it isn't fair to bully my past. I was who I was, and I am who I am today because of it. 

But then I thought, what exactly was my dream?

(Now to go off on a tangent for a significant part of this realization) The other week, I got to visit my very best friends at college, spending five days jammed packed with hanging out in Athens, going to my favorite spots, and just... being. I had the pleasure of staying on a twin-sized air mattress on the floor of Haley's room. One night, we were up late, chatting about life. And as I ranted on about all the things I was anxious about my future, she said something that really stuck with me. 

"What is your dream?"
To which I replied, "You know what, I don't actually know."

And Haley said, "Maybe you should try writing them down. Then you can really focus on driving yourself towards what you want to do in life." 

So that's what I'm doing now. As I sit at my desk, feeling nostalgic about my past, I tried to think about what my dreams actually were, and how it has affected my life, and what my dreams are today. 

Obviously as a kid who rode horses, I wanted to win. I wanted to be the best, and it drove me to practice hard. But I also compared myself. I wanted to be better than others. I wanted the expensive horses. I wanted the name recognition, and I wanted it to come naturally. I longed to spend my life dedicated to riding and competing... and winning.

But what I never fully grasped was that my circumstances were different than everyone else. I was on my own path. And I guess I just had a false realization of what that path was, or could have been. I so wish that 10, 12, or 15 year-old Ally could see where I ended up today. That she could understand that winning isn't everything. Perfect rides, competitions, and horses, just don't exist. That she could realize all of that hard work would pay off. And that I could be okay with the fact that maybe my hard work wouldn't pay off instantly, in the way I had it planned in my head. That it wouldn't be instant gratification.

But that it would still be so gratifying.

I sat, at my desk, realizing that maybe the reason I was never the wining rider, the rider that had it all, the rider that made it big, was so that I could end up here. Everything came full circle. I am still pursuing my passion, just with a different dream now. A dream to always include riding in my life, but in a new and exciting way.

And after seeing the side of horseback riding I had always dreamed to be a part of, I can honestly say that I am grateful for the experience that I got to have. I made great friends, I made a second family, I made memories, and I made strides in my life (pun intended).

I realize now that His plan for me was never to become that rider. That where I am now was bigger than any champion ribbon or expensive horse money could buy. And giving up one dream does not mean that there isn't something better right around the corner. It's all about being fearless in the pursuit of your passion, and being patient for your purpose to show it's face. 




Saturday, April 9, 2016

Wellington Wrap Up

"Every day God invites us on the same kind of adventure. It's not a trip where He sends us a rigid itinerary, He simply invites us. God asks what it is He's made us to love, what it is that captures our attention, what feeds that deep indescribable need of our souls to experience the richness of the world He made. And then, leaning over us, He whispers, "Let's go do that together.” -Bob Goff


(a brief compilation of some Wellington highlights, wrapped up perfectly be Ilana at the end)

This has been such an amazing adventure, and I am so grateful for everything I have been able to do, everyone I have met, and all that I have learned. Sometimes you just have to open your heart and let God guide you to where you need to be, and this is definitely where I want to be. Here's to an adventure filled Summer 2016!

Things I've learned:

1. Take a leap of faith always

2. Olympic riders are just like us (only cooler)

3. Giraffes have really, really long tongues  

4. Horses are still as cool as I thought they were

5. Burgerfi needs to be in every city in America

6. Do not be driven by fear

7. A lot of things about polo

8. You can find a friend in all types of people

9. Even though I am Italian I do not tan quickly...

10. Phelps is pretty cool ;)  

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Wellington Weekly #14

Season is officially over!! That means my time at Phelps was coming to a close... But in an exciting turn of events, I will be staying here for the summer!! I cannot wait to continue working for this amazing company. Here is my "last week" at the internship:

April 1
GPL! I worked in the office today, and then Kendall and I headed to IPC to shoot photos for the GPL Polotini party!! After we worked, I stayed to hang out with Barre and Ilana, and headed to home to rest up for the hunter derby!

April 2
 Taylor and I got to cover the hunter derby today, and luckily the weather was kind to us. It was hot, but the wind was forgiving, and the class was fun to watch! After the derby, the interns headed to WEF to get drenched in the rain during the last grand prix of the season! We took shelter in the media tent for a bit, and then headed out before the jump off ended.

April 3
For the first time ever, all of us had the day off! We had lunch at Short Stacks (highly recommend) and made a plan for an exciting afternoon. It started out by a possibly homeless and mentally absent man telling us that our legs looked like Italy (he wasn't wrong...). He probably said it over and over about 30 times. We then retreated to our car, and he proceeded to follow us... So we got in Barre's getaway car, and headed out of there. After all of that excitement, we finally decided on going to the drive through Safari! One of the most fun days ever. And I fed a giraffe... Life = made.

April 4
It was back to the office, and not much to report on this day. 

April 5
An exciting day! It was technically the intern's last staff meeting, and last week in the office, so the office shut down at two and we all went out to Casa Tequila for mexican food!! (and cake for Cat & Ilana's birthday!) After eating way too much Mexican, I went to Ilana's pool to "tan" with what little sun was left. Ilana, Barre, and I decided we needed Rita's, and then we decided that we had to introduce Ilana to the joy that is Outback bread and blooming onion. A great decision. 

April 6
Today was a big day! I decided to stay at Phelps for the summer, and got lots of excited reactions from people in the office! I can't wait to see what the summer has in store, and I can't wait to see who else will be joining the Phelps team! After work, Ilana, Barre, and I headed to MA's to check on her kitty, and stopped by the outlets for a little window shopping (then they convinced me to buy bracelet, and I don't regret that decision). I did laundry and then called it a night! 

April 7
All of the interns decided to sit at the big conference table in the back instead of in our office, and it was a great decision. We all got CR Chick's for lunch, and had a fun time just hanging out. For dinner, what else was there to do but go to the Food Truck Invasion!?? So many great food choices were made this week. 

April 8
Today was Ilana's and Jenna's final day in the office. After I covered a class at the show in the morning and worked in the office for a few hours, we packed up Barre's car and headed for Miami. No, not for a vacation, but for a horse show... ON THE BEACH. It was so cool. We're super lucky that we got to leave the office early and watch the show on the beach. 

I am going to do a wrap up of my WEF Season here at Phelps, so hopefully I'll some "Things I've learned" that will wrap things up... Also my excuse to not include that in this post because I'm lazy and just very far behind at this point. A WEF wrap up video to come too!! Stay tuned for fun things!

Wellington Weekly #11, 12, 13

I should've known that committing myself to doing this every week was going to end bad. I've fallen very behind. This is my attempt to round up the last few weeks here in Wellington (very, very, very broad overview)

Week 11
1. PONIES!! I covered the pony derby out on the grass field, and my heart was so full of warm fuzzies while I watched the kids parade around the course on their fabulous ponies (also burnt the backs of my legs and they were on FIRE)

2. Covered the WEF Challenge on St. Patty's day, and 1.50m GP on Sunday followed by "pan-handling" free totes and socks on the side of the road! Fun times.

Week 12
1. Nothing too noteworthy that I can remember... Fun horse show coverage and exciting times in the office!

Week 13
1. I got to cover the George Morris Excellence in Equitation Championship with Emily, and it was great!! I didn't meet the legend himself, but it was cool to watch some of the best equitation riders compete... Without trainers! The evening finished up the only way we knew how: BURGERFI

2. I took the weekend to drive to Fort Myers to spend time with my family and my parents and sister that were in town too! Had a nice visit, good fun, and lots of candy from the Easter bunny (aka mom)

3. This week also kicked off GPL week! I went to Mason & Ron's on Thursday night to shoot the VIP party and hang with the best!

For the life of me, I cannot remember anything that I would have learned these past three weeks...


Monday, March 14, 2016

Wellington Weekly #10

(Chelsea spent her Spring Break with me, so this week is dedicated to our adventures!)

March 4
Another equitation Friday! I love covering the equitation divisions and watching all of the talented young riders. 

March 5
A long, exciting Saturday! Jenna and I covered the junior rider Nations Cup divisions, and watch children, junior, and young riders from around the world compete for their country. The US was well represented, winning the junior and young riders divisions. It was a late night, but a super fun day of coverage!

March 6
Today is the day, Chelsea has arrived!!! We had a full day planned already. After picking her up from the airport, we discovered a new brunch spot and ate our body weight in pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Along with our food babies, we went to the Lake Worth beach! The only problem was that the Lake Worth beach was not quite a beach, what with the high tides and waves and whatnot. We spent the majority of our time running away from the water, got in some nice photo shoots, and walked to an ice cream shop to finish our beach day. We hit the grocery store, made tacos for dinner, and watched a very interesting Lifetime movie to prepare for the fun week ahead of us. 

March 7
I spent my day in the office, and Chelsea unfortunately had to spend her day at my house, but as soon as I got home, we packed our overnight bags and headed to ORLANDO!! We had the best subway sandwiches we had ever eaten, followed by a fun couple of hours hanging out at Downtown Disney. We got chocolate wasted at Ghirardelli and window shopped before calling it a night. My dad graciously got us a hotel room for the night, and we curled up in the fluffy comforters and pillows to get our beauty sleep for UNIVERSAL!

March 8
In an effort to not make this day go on into an essay, I will summarize in short phrases: Islands of Adventure, Dr. Doom's fear fall, Harry Potter World, flight of the Hippogriff, Dueling Dragons, #BeckySentUs, Butter Beer, chicken fingers, Suess Landing, Hogwarts Express, Universal Studios, Diagon Alley, Revenge of the Mummy, giant pink doughnut, find someone who looks like they could take our picture, Hard Rock Cafe, Uber, Instagram science, driving 2.5 hours home

March 9
A day at work and an attempt to recuperate from my Universal Studios hangover, and then after work Chelsea and I had lettuce wraps for dinner, followed by a quick trip to the outlets! I had to restrain myself in an attempt to save money, but Chelsea got some great deals!

March 10 
Boooooo it's Chelsea's last day :( We headed back to Lake Worth beach, except we tried out a different section in the hopes that we would actually have beach this time. We found a great spot, and I proceeded to nap on the beach (and don't listen to Chelsea when she tells you that I snore...) Chelsea and I did some exploring, found lots of jelly fish, shells, and a coconut! We tried to open it but were unsuccessful, called it a day, and found a pizza joint and enjoyed our lunch on the beach. After getting home and discovering I was sunburned, we headed to our final adventure: Food Truck Invasion! We ate delicious shrimp tacos, had great dessert, and then I had to take Chelsea to the airport for her flight home. It was great to have her, but too short of a trip!

Things I've learned this week:

1. You have to pay to go on the pier

2. Make friends with amusement park workers and they'll let you skip lines

3. Instagram is a science and Chelsea and I have mastered it

4. The food trucks change each week and are all so tempting

5. A two-park ticket for Universal & Islands of Adventure is worth it

6. Tuesday in the beginning of March is prime Disney time 

7. If you want to swim in the ocean, don't go to the beach during high tide or high winds 

8. Islands of Adventure is the best spot for roller coasters
9. Roller coasters make you dizzy and nauseous 

Wellington Weekly #9

(I'm bad at taking videos, so here is a brief compilation of Haley's trip to Wellington this week!)
 
February 26
Surprise surprise, a day full of horses! In the morning I covered the equation division, USEF Talent Search day. After working on photos and my article, I headed out to the Fete Cheval event at the VIP tent! Top professional and junior riders volunteered their time to compete in an equitation exhibition accompanied by commentary. It was so interested to see Grand Prix riders and junior riders ban together to compete in an equitation class, and for a good cause, the Equus Foundation. What a fun night!

February 27 & 28
It was an early wake up call to catch a plane ride home. I had to say goodbye to my childhood best friend, my sweet Mags. It was a hard weekend. While it wasn't under the best circumstances, I'm glad I got to home and spend the weekend with my family. On Sunday I got to watch the IEA team compete in Regionals, and spend some snuggle time with my girl Roxy.


February 29
A day in the office! A nice relaxing Monday to recoup from the weekend. 
March 1
Back in the office! Nothing too exciting, just helping everyone catch up on work and get the weekend started right! I got to help out with India night tonight for one of our clients, and it was such a fun event. All of the proceeds went to the Salvation Tree School in India, and the couple that runs the charity are just the sweetest! After India Night I was promptly greeted by HALEY!! A quick windows down, music blasting road trip down the street to Coldstone to catch up and prepare for a fun filled Wednesday.

March 2
Haley and I spent our day at the beach, eat snacks, swimming, and turning into golden goddesses (okay, maybe not golden, but rather a bright shade of red...) We finished up our day at Panera, eating outside to soak up the last few minutes in the sun, and then Haley had to leave me :( We packed her car and I actually considered putting a nail in her tire so she didn't have to leave (except that it was her grandma's car and I would never do that...)

March 3
Back in the office! Nothing too noteworthy from this day either, but even though there's work to be done, I love hanging out with these people! 

Things I've learned this week:
 1. Panera got rid of their buttered noodles and it looks like they aren't bringing them back... Sad.

2. Lake Worth beach is great! Not too crowded, clear water, and lots of sunshine.

3. Saying goodbye to a pup is harder than you expect.
4. I'm never checking a suitcase again... Carry on for the win!

5. Beezie Madden is a god... (okay I already knew that, but it was reaffirmed)

Wellington Weekly #8

(I had a brief video compilation of weeks 6, 7, & 8, but it won't download... I am struggling.)

February 19 
It's Grand Prix day!!! Emily and I covered the Grand Prix today, and it was held at Global because of the hunter week takeover at WEF. I had a nice day relaxing and getting some chores done, followed by a fun evening at the Grand Prix! As always, I am so amazed by the talent that I am surrounded by here in Wellington.

February 20
A quick tan by the pool, catnap, and headed off to the VIP tent at WEF to help with a book signing! The best part? VIP desserts!! And a front row seat the the hunter spectacular! After the book signing I met up with office people at a polo asado. It was all fun and games until my truck got stuck in the mud... Note to self: do not try to turn around in a low, sandy grassy area, because my truck is note four wheel drive, and the sand was actually mud... After a minor panic attack I called Triple AAA and a very unimpressed tow guy came and pulled me out of the even more unimpressive mud puddle. Hooray!

February 21
Rise and shine, horse shows wait for no one! Taylor and I covered the U25 and the Grand Prix, and we got to cover it at Global in the grass derby ring! It was the perfect weather. But of course, in true Ally fashion, the one day I am actually VIP enough to eat Global food, I decide I'm hungry enough after they've cleaned it up... Maybe next time....

February 22
After a day spent in the office, everyone in the office headed out to Mason and Ron's new home for their house warming party! I've decided I'm moving in and there's nothing they can do to stop me. Afterwards, the interns headed to Flannigan's for free nachos the size of two of my heads, chicken fingers, and curly fries, and I've never been happier. If there's one thing us interns do right, it's making good food decisions.

February 23
After rising from bed in a complete greasy food coma, I spent the day in the office, followed by the North American Riders Group Meeting (NARG). They talked all about the successes and failures for horse shows in the past year and what the future looks like. I got to sit 6 feet away from Beezie Madden and Kent Farrington, so that was cool. Oh, and I got a free hat. Hooray for NARG!

February 24 

Possibly one of the funniest nights so far. After an office day, a bunch of us went to AEGT at the White Horse to support Jamie's boyfriend who would be eating fire and walking on glass barefoot... Little did we know we would also be supporting Emily as she was forced to volunteer to piggy-back across the glass!! She was a great sport and the performance was great!!

February 25 
My day off!! Today I met up with Nikki who I got hooked up with thanks to Miranda at OU! I met her horse, Lovey, and her adorable pup, and hung out with the Phelps girls in the media tent for a bit while snacking on Titos chips and salsa. I then went home to get some laundry done (and the dryer decided not to dry my clothes... AWESOME), and I headed out to meet the interns for sushi! I think this was the first time we were ALL in one place hanging out, and it was great (and delicious!)

Things I've learned this week:

1. Triple AAA is a blessing

2. If you are offered VIP food, don't wait. Go. Now. Eat. As much as you possibly can.

3. If dolphin is on the menu, it's not actually dolphin. It's Mahi.....

4. NARG... It's a thing, and it's pretty cool.

5. Split clothes into two dryers, or they will never get dry...

 
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