Well, its always odd actually meeting irl someone for the first time you've known for a long time and shared some of your most intimate thoughts with over the net. In fact, the last time I met someone irl I had struck up a friendship with on the net, I ended up marrying him. That was a sort of blindside that I hadn't expected. I know people diss internet romances, but I have a dreamy happy ending one that is going on its 5th year anniversary... and standing at my side at SeaTac Matt reminded me of how nervous we both were last time we were meeting strangers in the airport - and how well that turned out.

I was worried I would be late... you know, the old horror story of leaving someone in the airport that has put their absolute faith in you and flown halfway across the country just to meet you. Then you get there and find out your early (plane delayed right?) and worry again that you won't recognize them. Then.... with Cayenne I was worried we would have communication problems. I don't know anyone who has hearing impairments - nor someone... *gulp* Canadian. *crosses herself*

Well, as it turns out... I spotted her right off. Then I carefully snuck up behind her to give her an attack hug from behind. We waited on her bag, and headed home. There wasn't much talking in the airport - frankly all those people terrify me and I kept being worried we'd be lost. I am totally turning into a small town recluse. Normally when someone is flying into SeaTac I'd take them on into Seattle to see the space needle and visit pikes place market, but in the case of this Sun, it was pouring down rain (bad view, cold weather, hideous timing for the market. So we just headed home... everyone was tired. Seattle can wait until later in the week.

Matt and I were worried about the state of our house, yard, barn, everything. We didn't want to give Cayenne the wrong impression - that we were slobs etc. We spent the entire day Saturday before she came cleaning, rearranging my art studio into a bedroom so Cayenne would have her own room, privacy, and wouldn't have to sleep on the couch. Living with all the pets we do, there's lots of cat hair, dogs tracking in mud on pale campaign carpet so lots of carpet shampooing, and endless laundry from getting grubby in the barn... and that went on from about 9am to 3am.

We got home, made some grub, watched a movie (I nap during any and all movies... she just thinks I was super tired but she will realize my narcolepsy soon enough). And, I discovered shes as cool and as laid back and fun irl as she is on the net. We don't have any issues communicating - I'm learning to wade through her accent and speak up and clearly so she can hear me well. And we're now hanging out like we've known each other forever with zero awkwardness. I hate awkwardness... not knowing what to say, do, or acting different than you normally would. I don't have to entertain her, babysit her, or fuss over her. She fits right in. I feel a little bad for Matt. He's hopelessly outnumbered with two strong-willed women in the crowd.

I know Cayenne came for the horses... and I'm trying really hard not to disappoint. She got over the hardest hurdle, figuring out how a short-as-hell gal can get on the one of the biggest horses she'll ever get to ride. It's a challenge for everyone. It has nothing to do with body shape, physical fitness, or any of the like. It simply has to do with doing something thats slightly unnatural as quickly and gracefully as possible... and she didn't give up. Tomorrow when she rides, she'll have no trouble. I just could kick myself that I expected her to hop up on a really incredibly tall mare (becky is almost 19 hands, being 18.3hh) using a stool that someone who's 6'4" uses. I really wasn't being fair until I gave her an extra foot of height to try from. Then she had no trouble hopping up at all. I just never ever remember or think about people who are short. I know that sounds terrible, but even the drinking glasses at my house are stored on top of the plate rail above the cupboards where normal people can't reach. I moved some down lower! But its crazy just how much difference a foot or more makes in height.

I also think its fun how new people approach horses. I'm lucky, I have a barn full of absolute sweethearts (minus the baby who freaks out at anything from popping gum to a dropped brush - two year olds are dillheads). Cayenne gently petted them all. It took me some coaxing to get her to actually mug them like they like... hard rubbing, scratching, ruffing up their forelocks, but by today (day two) they are blissfully getting scratched, rubbed, and properly attended too by not only Matt and Myself, but by her as well. She's going to be great at driving tomorrow too. I bet we'll have a lot of fun hooking becky up to the cart and giving it a whirl.

But I swear... its going to be the shortest two weeks of my life. I'm just sorry I couldn't have taken more than a week off work. Cayenne is an absolute sweetheart. She's fit right in like P in a PB&J. And the great thing is, my animals really like her. They are claiming her lap like shes lived there all her life. That is saying something, but animals are the best judges... best ever judges. I'm glad she came. I was worried... so worried...but for NOTHING. I can't honestly say I'd rather spend a week off work any other way. Well, maybe her and I, cute Cabana Boys, someplace tropical... *lol* I tried to talk her into Hawaii next year, just her and I, but she doesn't like the heat. We'll maybe plan for Italy instead.