Almost Half of My Life
Posted by Billy at 5/21/2009 11:11 PM 
Categories: In the Beginning
Tags: Kentucky Horse Farms Thoroughbred Three Chimneys Farm The Bell Group Churchill Downs Thoroughbred Times Lexington Huntington Equine Jonabell Farm
Categories: In the Beginning
Tags: Kentucky Horse Farms Thoroughbred Three Chimneys Farm The Bell Group Churchill Downs Thoroughbred Times Lexington Huntington Equine Jonabell Farm
So if I were getting ready to turn 30 the title of this entry could be Half My Life - but sadly I'm a wee bit older than that. Just a wee bit.
I just had my 15 year anniversary of living in Kentucky. No there was no party or anything - no need - but there was a shock to the system of how much has gone on since my move.
This is basically going to be a time line of sorts of the past 15 years of my life in Lexington. Believe me - there will be a large number of omissions. You know - the things that will come out only in the future when I write a book (because I'll not have children to write a tell all - I must do it myself) or when I run for President and someone decides to ruin my campaign by telling my secrets. Btw, if you're planning that - I have no secrets - there are just some things I don't mention here. So there.
Summer 1993 - I quit my job of 6 years in a torture chamber - or retail store called Best Products, Inc. making $14,000 a year, lied to my parents and said I had a job on a horse farm waiting in Kentucky. Drove in my white Mercury Topaz (hot huh?) with my Uncle James (originally from Hodgenville, KY, met my Mom's sister Alice while she and my Mom worked for the FBI), dropped him off in his hometown and finished the drive alone. My future was in front of me. I was 23. (you'll notice that I won't be updating my age regularly - mostly because I still feel like I'm 25-28).
Freaked out a bit because I only had $200 when I left New Mexico and I really didn't have a job. Met a guy at Pyaar Acres while checking on a friends horses. He got me an interview with Gary Pimentel at Three Chimneys Farm. I had no idea what I would be doing - or if I'd even get a job. All Gary knew was I was from New Mexico (always a confusing lead I've found when I moved here - most people were confused that I have blue eyes and no accent. Yeah - we have a great education system. No I didn't need a green card, or visa to get here).
Gary hired me and for that time in yearling sales prep history - I worked with the most skilled horseman and teachers. Gary, Lorena Mullins (recently passed away) and Rachel Southwood taught me a ton. I dropped 40 lbs. in the first 3 months - partly because I was too poor to eat. But my bills were getting paid. That's what is important right? So I'm told. I ate occasionally - no exaggeration. Miserable I tell you and when winter hit - I wanted to go home. It was so cold and I was so hungry and tired.
I worked at Three Chimneys for 3 years mostly doing yearling sales prep. I also did a short breeding season on one of their broodmare divisions (this would be the worst time - dropping to 110 lbs and body sore all the time. Turns out if you work your ass of and never eat - it's not healthy and it hurts). I do miss the workout I got from yearlings. I don't believe it's that big of a workout these days for most of the big farms. Adding in walking machines and such. You can see a difference at the sales as well. The handlers aren't as fit as the yearlings (no offense - just an observation). The horses also have less respect for them. I think that's from the lack of handling they miss from hand walking.
Summer 1996 - I moved from Three Chimneys to historic Jonabell Farm. Benny Williams created a job for me where I worked half on the farm with the yearlings and half in the office learning. Best move I ever made outside the move from New Mexico. I ended up taking a lot of yearlings to the sale ring there. I also learned a lot about researching information for stallion advertising. At this same time I was becoming a little bit (stop laughing Benny and Ruthie) of a social butterfly. More like a social firefly - out every night. I might have burned more than one candle at both ends and the middle.
My social network became the biggest mix ever. Horse people, strippers, hookers, criminals (will not specify thanks), gays, lesbian, drag queens, must I go on. All that did affect my life heavily - Benny - you put up with too much.
Summer 1999 - while working the Keeneland July Sale for Jonabell I got a call from my sister letting me know that our mom, Virginia, had once again been found to have cancer. This being the 3rd year in a row - all 3 times a different variety. This time she had no fight left and they gave her little length of time to live. I made a trip home driving in my little blue truck - to spend time with her. One of the worst times of my life. (not trying to focus on bad things y'all - just letting you know what makes me who I am).
My mom was the most quality woman I've ever known. I don't know anyone with any worth that would say a bad word about her. I remember one time her telling me someone related to us was a bitch - and she hesitated at using the word - and said it quietly. Because she had class and didn't talk like that - but that told you how bad this person actually was. I returned home to KY and within a short couple of weeks got the call from my Dad "Billy, your mama died this morning." I wondered then if I should have ever left NM in the first place.
Spring 2000 - No longer working on Jonabell Farm - but I had been working for The Bell Group - once a part of Jonabell - a Thoroughbred advertising agency, for a while. I also had finally met someone that aided greatly in me not wanting to be out on the town Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. til it was time to go to work. To this point - I really wasn't into any relationship I had been in - and at 2 months - I was done. Quickly done.
Summer 2000 - Came in from a night out for a friends birthday to find message after message from both sisters. You know that's never good. I called my younger sister back - and the only thing I could understand through her crying was "Dad is dead." For a long time I didn't like going back to NM because every trip was for a funeral for someone in the family. Me and my sisters always have felt younger than we were (well Vickie might not have since she's a mom). I was 30 years old and no longer had parents to call. I felt like I was 18.
I felt for my sisters because they had to deal with more than me being closer to home. Then again - they also got to be around my parents all the time. To be honest - I pretty much fell a part for a good 9 months. My partner was put through a lot of hell because I was not dealing with it all the best way (but then - who does?)
I got married late that August in Lexington. All my in-laws - none of my family. Tons of friends. I grew up in a once close large family. As you grow up and see people for what they really are - you begin to realize family really isn't just assigned to blood relatives. Other than my sisters and my nieces and nephew - I'm closest to the family I have in Kentucky.
blah blah blah
Fall 2000 - all the above led me to make a rash decision and leave The Bell Group. I was supposed to be leaving for a specific job - that fell through. I knew it wasn't going to happen before I left but I was nearing the need for commitment with a straight jacket (not related to work - just mind). So I gave notice and had no job at all.
Literally I stayed home and cried for nearly 6 months. That may sound pathetic to you - and it really is because now I can stand people who are too lazy to live and get through - but sometimes I think it's wise to deal with what you can and fuck the rest. It allowed me some time to really grieve instead of block. It allowed me to sit and think about what I wanted to do.
I'd lost all care and concern for the horse world. My love for horses - had taken me far away from home and kept me from enjoying the last years of my parents lives. I do believe if I had kept working I would probably be working in a bar somewhere not having anything to do with horses or be in a home - rocking and rocking, meowing like a cat. (it's ok - laugh).
November 2000
Desmond and I went to the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs. I had no business going because I had $100 that I could spare after quitting my job. That was a day I couldn't wait for though. I was finally going to get to see some favorites in person - Affirmed Success, Quiet Resolve, Chilukki, and many more.
That day I hit big - I think I cashed on every race by the Classic. I left Churchill with more than $4k. Not bad for a messed up wacko with no job.
April 2001 - I began Huntington Equine. I had sort of started it years ago when the Bell Group quit offering pedigree research books for public auction consignors as a service. Benny GAVE it to me. She taught me how to do this - and then basically gave me a future.
I finally had some purpose going again. I began helping with sales prep for Hartwell Farm - mostly just showing real early to walk yearlings. Then I'd dash home and shower - head to Thoroughbred Times to help with stallion directory. In the evening I'd head to Spencerian College where I was taking night classes for a graphic design degree.
Not only did I have a purpose but I went from nothing too much. I don't moderate well.
April 2004 - I had been working as a copywriter/research specialist for Thoroughbred Times - mostly working with their daily newsletter TODAY. When I found out that the main guy in town doing the sale books was calling it a day and I started getting more clients.
I had to make a decision - my job or my business. I was nearly done with the graphic design degree. I realized with all the new business I needed to focus on that future. I left Ttimes and went out on my own - completely without a net.
Right this minute - I've realized while typing this up that had I stayed in NM - I would have been miserable - always wishing I'd followed a dream. Had I returned to my family during the rough times - I would have never gained any strength.
I've made all the decisions in my life. Many people would consider some of them to be bad - and whatever. Last month I quietly celebrated 15 years living where I always wanted to live. This month I'll celebrate 9 years of marriage (proving that a pretty spectacular person was able to catch me). I've been working completely on my own for 5 years now and each year it gets easier - better for my clients and more worth it. All the decisions I've made those publicized here, those insinuated here and those I'll not put in this blog - all of them are mine and not regretted. Why? Because they were my choice - and helped me develop into who I want to be.
In October I'll celebrate - somehow (was going to be Disneyworld but don't think so now) - my 40th birthday. I feared this age because it always sounded old to me - I still feel "little" (inside joke - not like that) not 40. How many people can say they took a risk and ended up having the best life ever? I wish you all could feel so free and happy about it.
I love my job (most days), I love my life (all days), I love writing this blog when I feel the need.
I just had my 15 year anniversary of living in Kentucky. No there was no party or anything - no need - but there was a shock to the system of how much has gone on since my move.
This is basically going to be a time line of sorts of the past 15 years of my life in Lexington. Believe me - there will be a large number of omissions. You know - the things that will come out only in the future when I write a book (because I'll not have children to write a tell all - I must do it myself) or when I run for President and someone decides to ruin my campaign by telling my secrets. Btw, if you're planning that - I have no secrets - there are just some things I don't mention here. So there.
Summer 1993 - I quit my job of 6 years in a torture chamber - or retail store called Best Products, Inc. making $14,000 a year, lied to my parents and said I had a job on a horse farm waiting in Kentucky. Drove in my white Mercury Topaz (hot huh?) with my Uncle James (originally from Hodgenville, KY, met my Mom's sister Alice while she and my Mom worked for the FBI), dropped him off in his hometown and finished the drive alone. My future was in front of me. I was 23. (you'll notice that I won't be updating my age regularly - mostly because I still feel like I'm 25-28).
Freaked out a bit because I only had $200 when I left New Mexico and I really didn't have a job. Met a guy at Pyaar Acres while checking on a friends horses. He got me an interview with Gary Pimentel at Three Chimneys Farm. I had no idea what I would be doing - or if I'd even get a job. All Gary knew was I was from New Mexico (always a confusing lead I've found when I moved here - most people were confused that I have blue eyes and no accent. Yeah - we have a great education system. No I didn't need a green card, or visa to get here).
Gary hired me and for that time in yearling sales prep history - I worked with the most skilled horseman and teachers. Gary, Lorena Mullins (recently passed away) and Rachel Southwood taught me a ton. I dropped 40 lbs. in the first 3 months - partly because I was too poor to eat. But my bills were getting paid. That's what is important right? So I'm told. I ate occasionally - no exaggeration. Miserable I tell you and when winter hit - I wanted to go home. It was so cold and I was so hungry and tired.
I worked at Three Chimneys for 3 years mostly doing yearling sales prep. I also did a short breeding season on one of their broodmare divisions (this would be the worst time - dropping to 110 lbs and body sore all the time. Turns out if you work your ass of and never eat - it's not healthy and it hurts). I do miss the workout I got from yearlings. I don't believe it's that big of a workout these days for most of the big farms. Adding in walking machines and such. You can see a difference at the sales as well. The handlers aren't as fit as the yearlings (no offense - just an observation). The horses also have less respect for them. I think that's from the lack of handling they miss from hand walking.
Summer 1996 - I moved from Three Chimneys to historic Jonabell Farm. Benny Williams created a job for me where I worked half on the farm with the yearlings and half in the office learning. Best move I ever made outside the move from New Mexico. I ended up taking a lot of yearlings to the sale ring there. I also learned a lot about researching information for stallion advertising. At this same time I was becoming a little bit (stop laughing Benny and Ruthie) of a social butterfly. More like a social firefly - out every night. I might have burned more than one candle at both ends and the middle.
My social network became the biggest mix ever. Horse people, strippers, hookers, criminals (will not specify thanks), gays, lesbian, drag queens, must I go on. All that did affect my life heavily - Benny - you put up with too much.
Summer 1999 - while working the Keeneland July Sale for Jonabell I got a call from my sister letting me know that our mom, Virginia, had once again been found to have cancer. This being the 3rd year in a row - all 3 times a different variety. This time she had no fight left and they gave her little length of time to live. I made a trip home driving in my little blue truck - to spend time with her. One of the worst times of my life. (not trying to focus on bad things y'all - just letting you know what makes me who I am).
My mom was the most quality woman I've ever known. I don't know anyone with any worth that would say a bad word about her. I remember one time her telling me someone related to us was a bitch - and she hesitated at using the word - and said it quietly. Because she had class and didn't talk like that - but that told you how bad this person actually was. I returned home to KY and within a short couple of weeks got the call from my Dad "Billy, your mama died this morning." I wondered then if I should have ever left NM in the first place.
Spring 2000 - No longer working on Jonabell Farm - but I had been working for The Bell Group - once a part of Jonabell - a Thoroughbred advertising agency, for a while. I also had finally met someone that aided greatly in me not wanting to be out on the town Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. til it was time to go to work. To this point - I really wasn't into any relationship I had been in - and at 2 months - I was done. Quickly done.
Summer 2000 - Came in from a night out for a friends birthday to find message after message from both sisters. You know that's never good. I called my younger sister back - and the only thing I could understand through her crying was "Dad is dead." For a long time I didn't like going back to NM because every trip was for a funeral for someone in the family. Me and my sisters always have felt younger than we were (well Vickie might not have since she's a mom). I was 30 years old and no longer had parents to call. I felt like I was 18.
I felt for my sisters because they had to deal with more than me being closer to home. Then again - they also got to be around my parents all the time. To be honest - I pretty much fell a part for a good 9 months. My partner was put through a lot of hell because I was not dealing with it all the best way (but then - who does?)
I got married late that August in Lexington. All my in-laws - none of my family. Tons of friends. I grew up in a once close large family. As you grow up and see people for what they really are - you begin to realize family really isn't just assigned to blood relatives. Other than my sisters and my nieces and nephew - I'm closest to the family I have in Kentucky.
blah blah blah
Fall 2000 - all the above led me to make a rash decision and leave The Bell Group. I was supposed to be leaving for a specific job - that fell through. I knew it wasn't going to happen before I left but I was nearing the need for commitment with a straight jacket (not related to work - just mind). So I gave notice and had no job at all.
Literally I stayed home and cried for nearly 6 months. That may sound pathetic to you - and it really is because now I can stand people who are too lazy to live and get through - but sometimes I think it's wise to deal with what you can and fuck the rest. It allowed me some time to really grieve instead of block. It allowed me to sit and think about what I wanted to do.
I'd lost all care and concern for the horse world. My love for horses - had taken me far away from home and kept me from enjoying the last years of my parents lives. I do believe if I had kept working I would probably be working in a bar somewhere not having anything to do with horses or be in a home - rocking and rocking, meowing like a cat. (it's ok - laugh).
November 2000
Desmond and I went to the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs. I had no business going because I had $100 that I could spare after quitting my job. That was a day I couldn't wait for though. I was finally going to get to see some favorites in person - Affirmed Success, Quiet Resolve, Chilukki, and many more.
That day I hit big - I think I cashed on every race by the Classic. I left Churchill with more than $4k. Not bad for a messed up wacko with no job.
April 2001 - I began Huntington Equine. I had sort of started it years ago when the Bell Group quit offering pedigree research books for public auction consignors as a service. Benny GAVE it to me. She taught me how to do this - and then basically gave me a future.
I finally had some purpose going again. I began helping with sales prep for Hartwell Farm - mostly just showing real early to walk yearlings. Then I'd dash home and shower - head to Thoroughbred Times to help with stallion directory. In the evening I'd head to Spencerian College where I was taking night classes for a graphic design degree.
Not only did I have a purpose but I went from nothing too much. I don't moderate well.
April 2004 - I had been working as a copywriter/research specialist for Thoroughbred Times - mostly working with their daily newsletter TODAY. When I found out that the main guy in town doing the sale books was calling it a day and I started getting more clients.
I had to make a decision - my job or my business. I was nearly done with the graphic design degree. I realized with all the new business I needed to focus on that future. I left Ttimes and went out on my own - completely without a net.
Right this minute - I've realized while typing this up that had I stayed in NM - I would have been miserable - always wishing I'd followed a dream. Had I returned to my family during the rough times - I would have never gained any strength.
I've made all the decisions in my life. Many people would consider some of them to be bad - and whatever. Last month I quietly celebrated 15 years living where I always wanted to live. This month I'll celebrate 9 years of marriage (proving that a pretty spectacular person was able to catch me). I've been working completely on my own for 5 years now and each year it gets easier - better for my clients and more worth it. All the decisions I've made those publicized here, those insinuated here and those I'll not put in this blog - all of them are mine and not regretted. Why? Because they were my choice - and helped me develop into who I want to be.
In October I'll celebrate - somehow (was going to be Disneyworld but don't think so now) - my 40th birthday. I feared this age because it always sounded old to me - I still feel "little" (inside joke - not like that) not 40. How many people can say they took a risk and ended up having the best life ever? I wish you all could feel so free and happy about it.
I love my job (most days), I love my life (all days), I love writing this blog when I feel the need.
Billy I am so proud of you and I know that your mom & dad are looking down on you and are as proud as they can be. Your courage is a lesson to all. Trust me, 40 is not bad, it is just a number...I, like you, still feel like I am 25. I am so glad you followed your dreams. It is a scary process and sometimes you don't know which way is up, but if you keep your eye on the prize, success is in your future. You have found that and I am so happy for you.
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