Straightening up my Values by Emma H.

When there’s always something better, what do you value the most? Which do you enjoy more, the item with the bigger price tag, or the item with the greater meaning? Today people are always focused on the latest trends, hottest clothes, and newest gadgets, but do they pay enough attention to the moments that count?

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I wake up to the annoying “beep…beep…beep,” of my alarm clock like a usual school morning. As I roll out of bed I slam down on the off button, and continue on to my morning routine. As I apply my makeup, my eyes wander to the red glow of one of my favorite possessions, my CHI hair straightener. Of course, straight hair is very “in,” and pretty much every girl straightens her hair, so who would I be to be an exception to all those girls?

I can still remember the Christmas I received my hair staightener. I had been asking for one for a couple months, but kept hearing the same answer. “You’ll ruin your beautiful hair!” my mom would constantly tell me. She just didn’t understand how important hair could be. So on Christmas morning when I got my hair straightener, I was pleasantly surprised. I jumped up and down “Thank you! Thank you!” I said to my parents, and quickly went to go straighten my locks.

With up to 400 degrees, it straightens my hair to perfection every time. Made with ceramic plates, and around $100.00, it is used at many professional salons. So with my hottest hair accessory, quite literally, I can feel great about my hair.

***

“Sit up tall, and stretch down into your heels,” My trainer Joy coached me, and my very first jumper show. “Even though your goal is to get the fastest time,” She told me, “You still need to ride smart.” I entered the arena my stomach like a roller coaster, as the whistle blew, I tightened my calf, and took off at a canter. We approached the first jump, filled with trees and plants, very spooky to a pony, but we managed to make it over the frightening obstacle. We finished the course with a clear round, my face was glowing with pride. Winning 3^rd place, I felt that my pony Rhumpy and I made a pretty good team.

Riding is my passion, and most defiantly my forte. Without it, I don’t know what I would do. For me, riding is my relaxation, if I’m riding, then I’m not thinking about anything else. All my worries just float away, and all I focus on is my horse.

I have been riding for at least 5 years, and I’ve been crazy about it ever since. Even though it is quite an expensive sport, it’s mainly where I have those “priceless moments.”

Competing in shows, and riding in general, gives me a rush that nothing else could even compare to.