Yee-Haw

If you met my husband, you would never guess that he was raised by a cowgirl. The guy loves his computers, stays inside to avoid skin cancer (and play on his computers), has little patience for animals other than cats, dislikes country music (though we both enjoy "Goodbye Earl" by the Dixie Chicks for some bizarre reason), and has an aversion to plaid, leather, boots and hats. However, he was, in fact, raised by a die-hard cowgirl.

Larry's mom lives on a ranch out in Palm Desert with a few horses of her own. When she invited us out for the Palm Springs Rodeo, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I've been to a rodeo once, in Calgary, but I was young and on a family vacation (meaning, it's highly likely I was pretending NOT to enjoy myself, just to be difficult).

We went to brunch at The Filling Station, my favorite breakfast place in Old Town Orange, before we got on the road. Larry got his beloved breakfast burrito. I got the spinach/mushroom/Swiss omelet, which was delicious.

I remember the days of freaking out over eggs. I used to demand egg whites, and I would never have cheese on the eggs. That would be like a fat fest. These days, I don't even think about this stuff. And I don't substitute fruit for the greasy potatoes; I eat the greasy potatoes (and sometimes get fruit on the side, too. I had an apple in the car, so I skipped the $5 side of fruit). Anyway...

Two hours later, we arrived in Palm Springs where it was like a hundred degrees. I tried on some hats.

This is us taking a "shade break" a little later. This is when I mention that I should have purchased a hat. This is when Larry mentions our risk of skin cancer at least four times.


I'm not sure what I think about rodeos. Honestly, it made me a bit uncomfortable. The first event featured dudes riding angry horses. I don't know the technical name for this event. Basically, they put a strap on the horse's ass that pisses it off, causing it to buck. The goal for the rider is to stay on as long as possible. I realized that I was not understanding the point because I kept cheering any time the horse tossed the rider. Oops.

I also cheered during the steer-wrestling event when the steer escaped the grasp of the crazy man leaping from his horse to tackle it.


And I also cheering during the roping event when my animal friends ran free from the lasso. This one was especially weird to watch. First, they get the rope around the animal's neck, then wrestle it to the floor and tie its feet as fast as possible.


There were PETA protesters outside the event, and I can understand why they were protesting. I mean, I like these guys:


Larry assures me that the animals are just fine. They're domesticated, this is fun for them, etc, etc. I suppose you could liken wresling a steer to me grabbing my fluffy cat's neck to flip her over so I can wipe poop from her butt. She still loves me.

I wouldn't choose to go to another rodeo, but I love my mother-in-law, and was happy to support her. She did great with her drill team. It's basically like synchronized swimming on horses...and not in water. That's no small feat since horses can be so easily spooked. Coordinating six horses must take quite a bit of work.


We met up with her after to congratulate her. Isn't she cute?


And isn't Larry cute with my purse? I think so.


We had a beautiful drive home. I really do love California.


We watched some shows on DVR and ate pizza. I had 5 of 6 slices of my pizza (we each get our own because Larry likes the Thai chicken and I don't). Thankfully, I was so tired that I went to bed at 9:30 and pretty much didn't notice the time change. Except that it's almost 6pm right now and still light out...

Have you ever been to a rodeo? What do you think of them from an animal rights perspective?

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Today's gratitude:
1. It's official: I like shopping. Thanks to those of you who recommended Bare Escentuals. I bought some make-up today.

2. I have the feared mole-removal doctor appointment tomorrow, for the purpose of avoiding skin cancer.

3. Condo is clean, clothes are clean, all is clean.

4. Larry joined a computer gaming group that has events a few nights per week. Yes, he's a nerd, but I'm just so happy he has a hobby he enjoys. And, it allows me to have my "me time" without guilt :)

5. I dropped off some clothes at Goodwill today.