Well I was at work yesterday and when we were about to close there were these twin brothers. I really enjoyed talking to them. It started with them asking me if I knew what they were into. As I rang up the books with a theme that seemed to be jokes I said "yes." One of the brothers then proceeded to tell me a few jokes while I rang up the other brother. It was quite amusing. In fact as I rang them up I pictured Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. They just had some of the expressions and loved to joke as did the cartoon characters.
Another fun thing was discussing eighties video games. The brothers continued to tell me about how the first ever video game high score was in Ottumwa, Iowa only thirty minutes from my hometown. They even had an old Donkey Kong ringtone. It was the highlight of my night to say the least. They were also excited about going to get Popeye's chicken. I would have to agree. It is quite delish. I hope to see them again. :P
Well Monday was a fun day. I was able to take the mini horses to a church. There were about seven children all waiting to pet the horse. We took Cody with us and most of the time he just stood there. This was a smaller group so we were able to talk them about the horse. They asked questions about the mane and tail and his hooves. Each child got to use three different brushes and Cindy and I showed them the proper way to brush them. I also lead the child and Cody in a circle while they held the lead. I learned something new. Apparently when walking a pony or a horse you should not wrap the lead in circles. They prefer you to wrap them in a eight shaped pattern. This way if the horse decides to take off the lead will be easily let go and you will not get caught up and dragged by the horse. Tuesday I worked on the below poster board and put together the Horsemanship 101 binder with tabs.
Today, (Wednesday) has been a busy day as well. I started off finishing the Waterloo Days poster board for the parade. Also a few things for Camp Hope. We still need a d.j. I called today and left a message. I am also hoping to hear from the Northeast Iowa Saddle Club Association. I am hoping they could come speak for our Showing horses lesson during Horsemanship 101. The weather has also been affecting our lessons. Riding days have been cancelled constantly it seems thanks to rain. I will be helping with lessons on Thursday. Let's hope for no rain!
Here is a picture of the poster I did and a flyer for the upcoming Cowboy Breakfast!
Today has been a wonderful one at ASPIRE. This morning myself and two other people took the miniature horses Pixie, and Cody to the Grundy Care Center. When we got there the elderly were waiting to pet and enjoy the horses. Who knew little ponies could bring so much joy? I was able to lead Pixie. She loved rubbing her head on my pants. The people reacted really well to the two "mini angels" as ASPIRE calls them. I hope to get to do this again. Maybe I will bring my mini horses from home to the care centers in Fairfield. Here are some pictures of the horses that went with us today! The first one is Cody and the second is Pixie.
I have also been working hard on the Horsemanship 101 classes. We now have a steady schedule and are typing up and adding events to the courses. Sadly showing videos to the children will not work seeing as the equipment they have needs to stay in the best of shape. Time has also been an issue when planning the schedules. I will keep you posted as we work towards our goal.
Well let me tell you first about how my first day as an intern went with this non-profit agency. When I came in I immediately got to meet two other interns. The idea of this program is so excited. I have a love for horses and children. This is a great way to get me involved with both. Yesterday I was able to interact with the horses and get to know them on a more personal basis. (poop scooping) I didn't mind since part of owning a horse is taking care of it as well. It is like a giant litter box :) Anyways the two events will be filled with horse knowledge and also some sensory games. The ages will range from 6-12 years old.
Now let me tell you some things about ASPIRE. ASPIRE's Mission statement is this: ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program provides benefits to individuals with disabilities through animal-assisted activities and outreach programs. They are always looking for volunteers seeing as it is a non-profit administration.
Marilyn is the executive director and graduated from UNI in 1991 with a BA in Social Work with an emphasis in Family Services and Criminology. She has always enjoyed working with children with special needs as well as horses, and it was her dream to start a program that involved them both. In 1998, she and her daughter started ASPIRE. "ASPIRE has been a blessing and inspiration in my life."
Here is another wonderful video about a young man who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but opened a restaurant in spite of his label. His parents could not be happier and hey who doesn't want a HUG?
This is an amazing video about a man who does not have arms and legs, but still stays smiling. He focuses on a young audience and is not afraid to be himself. His name is NICK VUJICIC and here is a video about what he does. Talk about inspiration!
Nicholas James Vujicic (born 4 December 1982) is an Australian preacher and motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. As a child, he struggled mentally and emotionally, as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and, at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. Vujicic presents motivational speeches worldwide, on life with a disability, hope, and finding meaning in life. He also speaks about his belief that God can use any willing heart to do His work and that God is big enough to overcome any and all disabilities. (referenced from you-tube video information)
Wow! This man does not let anything get him down. Watch this video and I bet you will be just as amazed as I was. He is going to be playing at Gallagher Bluedorn performing center Friday March 8th at 7:30.
Hines has Larsen Syndrome, a joint dislocation condition that has him permanently using a wheelchair. "The reality is I don't really look at my situation as that big of a deal," he says. "We all have thigs that challenge us, just some people are a little more visible in the forefront. Mine is very apparent, whereas others wear it on the inside." (http://www.justinhines.com/bio/)
