Off the Clock

I haven't had as much time for Ransom this summer (that is, if you count going to the barn only four days a week instead of seven). Between starting a second part-time job, going on family vacation, and having my sisters home for a few short weeks, Ransom moved down a few notches on the priority list.

My life has been one big to-do list, and since I work hourly, I'm constantly thinking of the time. Visiting Ransom in the evenings after a day of work, it was difficult to let go of this mentality. I found myself looking at my watch every five minutes. What? I'd only been riding 15 minutes? I should ride at least 25. And that's where the obligation crept in. How did I fall into counting the minutes until I finished? It wasn't that I didn't enjoy being with him. I felt guilty for wanting to go home and unwind instead, and I felt guilty for not putting more time and effort into Ransom.

I decided that, when possible, the barn would be my "watch-free" zone. When I pulled out my grooming box, the watch went in my pocket. I instinctively glanced at my wrist several times, only to find it bare. Free from the constraints of time, Ransom and I puttzed around the arena, doing as we pleased for as long or short as I felt like. My internal feelings of obligation and the to-dos of tomorrow settled in the dust Ransom kicked up at the trot.

After putting him away, I slid into my truck, where the digital clock glowed bright numbers. I was back on the clock.