From Yvette:
Tips for Eventers Living in Itty-Bitty Apartments in the City: The Turn-by-Turn Directions Edition
This picture has absolutely nothing to do with today’s blog, but it pretty much sums up my Facebook existence…#sorryimnotsorry
Hey there, Eventing Nation! I guess I should start by apologizing for my absence these past two weeks, although I’m hoping you were all too busy stalking results from Red Hills and the preview to Southern Pines to miss me TOO much…Anyway, life in the itty-bitty apartment has been busy – not only am I gearing up to get my own event season started (finally!), but I decided that this would be an awesome time to change jobs! Hopefully you will all forgive me for choosing gainful employment over blogging for two weeks…(please?)
Although I might not have been writing for you during the past two weeks, I have certainly been obtaining plenty of material…like, say, when I was cleaning out my desk in Corporate America-land. Twenty bucks says I’m the only person who has said, “Oh, I was wondering where that McGenis snaffle went!” while cleaning out their desk that’s like 20 miles from a barn and for a job that is completely not horse related. I might have also found a pair of bit keepers, a Pony Club pin, and a wayward Uncle Jimmie’s Squeezy Bun in my drawer, but I’m gonna plead the fifth….
Anywho…last week, I started my new job, and although it might sound a bit crazy (Moi? Say something crazy? I know, you’re shocked!), it’s a lot like starting a new horse or going to an event at which you’ve never competed. For instance, one can look at the Human Resources “onboarding” process as being similar to learning a new rulebook and making sure you’ve correctly filled out your entry form (don’t worry, the IRS will let you know if you’ve screwed up the W-2). Next would be figuring out where your stall, er, I mean office or cubicle is located. And then, the hard part…Navigating from your office to other parts of the building and then finding your way back.
For some reason, I am having a lot of difficulty with the intra-office navigation, and while I’m getting constant reassurance from my co-workers that “it’s not just me, this place is confusing,” I’m not so sure. I mean, I’m the type of person who can learn a new dressage test or show jumping course in a snap. And while superstition may have me walking my cross country course three times, I can guarantee I know every blade of grass on my route with one walk. I mean, I have a pretty good sense of direction so…
WHY CAN’T I FIND THE LADIES ROOM WITHOUT A MAP????
Naturally, I’ll say it’s the distinct lack of red and white flags indicating the proper way to negotiate the obstacles…I mean office…which leads me to this week’s tip.
Tip for Eventers Living in Itty-Bitty Apartments in the City #32:
Just moved to a new neighborhood or started a new job in a building that resembles a maze and not sure that you’ll ever find your way home/back to your office once you venture out? Never fear – you can make like an EN Hansel and Gretel, and mark your routes with red and white flags. Bonus points if you map your courses and determine minute markers using the Coursewalk App. If you’re more of a dressage queen, you can replace the flags with letters. Just don’t expect anyone to ring a bell or flag you down when you go off-course.
