Goin’ Shootin’

Posted on October 31, 2012 by tosabarbell

One of the coolest things about living in Texas are the people you meet and decide to hang with. Heath and Janet are two of the kindest and funniest rednecks you’ll ever love. After a few months in Wichita Falls, they invited Oz and I over to shoot guns. SRSLY? Yup, cuz that’s what you do in Texas. Cool beans.

Two facts became apparent immediately. One, I suck at shooting. Two, Oz does not.

His first shot was just off the Bullseye.  I barely hit the red dot with the 12 gauge. Huh.

Before we headed back north, Heath and Janet invited us over for one last shootout along with their old (my new) friend Veronique. I met Veronique at WFAC and quickly warmed to her French accent, her French humor, and her French cooking (seriously, she made me rabbit stew. It was amazing!)

Both Janet and V have had challenges this last year. They have taught me so much and I’m beyond thankful for them. They’ve given me perspective; they’ve shown me that it’s possible to accept what life throws your way without letting it beat you down; and they’ve taught me how to laugh in spite of rough times. They also taught me that YOU NEVER STOP SQUATTING. No matter what. If you want to know about two baddass Texas chicks (one with a French flair), look no further. These ladies set the pace. That they offer friendships free and clear of conditions and other bullshit that usually comes with girlfriends is the frosting on the meatloaf.

I’m looking forward to our next shoot out.

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Happy…

Posted on October 31, 2012 by tosabarbell

Halloween!

Due to the strange trick or treat rules around here, I completely forgot that it’s Halloween! MyBad. The annual Milwookiee party was a roaring success that kicked off with the burning of the pumpkin. It was spectacular.

The best costume of the night, hands down, was the Swedish Chef…

Enjoy the best holiday of the year!

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Windy

Posted on October 30, 2012 by tosabarbell

A wee bit of Hurricane Sandy has made it’s way as far west as Milwaukee which has Lake Michigan a tad pissed off.

After an early morning training session, I grabbed a breakfast burrito and headed down to the lake to listen to the roar of the waves and enjoy the view. While it was a bit windy, it was fun.

Now I’m home, drinking coffee and catching up on some reading. Here’s a great article by Jim Wendler on trying new things in the gym. My favorite line?

Remember, remaining stagnant and stubborn is easy, but it takes a better man to expand their horizons (and lifts) with methods that may be contrary to their beliefs.

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Monday Bacon: Trick or Treat

Posted on October 29, 2012 by tosabarbell

One of the best parts aboot  Halloween is the dressing up as silly/scary as you want; bag in hand; and say three simple words to all of your neighbors for free candy. Yup, Trick or Treating. Growing up, and then as the kids were growing up, Trick or Treat time ALWAYS came on Halloween evening. Even in 1991 when the blizzard hit in Minnesota, Trick or Treating was done on that snowy, Halloween night.

It seems that the children of Milwaukee are not capable of handling such a task. Therefore, the city (and surrounding communities) schedule Trick or Treating the weekend before. Yup. Depending on your zone, you may be dressing up Friday evening, or Saturday evening, or Sunday afternoon and I haven’t heard yet if anyone DOES Trick or Treat on the actual holiday. Friday evening was Milwaukee so Oz and I tooled three blocks north and hit up our friend Mo for candy and wine. I sat with her for a portion of the two hour scheduled time and the kids had a blast, almost AS IF it were Halloween.

The next night, as we were getting ready for the annual Milwookiee Halloween party, some kids came to the door for candy. But WAIT! Our scheduled time wasn’t until Sunday afternoon so we didn’t have candy yet! Poor kids, we were unprepared. See, it seems that in our neighborhood, the homeowner’s association Trick or Treats on Saturday night (but I didn’t catch the times.) But we’re not part of the association. It’s so confusing!

Finally, Sunday from 1-4pm, it was OUR time. I have to say, Trick or Treating in the middle of the afternoon (during football no less) doesn’t feel the same. Oh sure, there were lots of cute costumes and children were excited. But it wasn’t the same. Many people don’t even participate and who can blame them. It’s Sunday afternoon godsakes!

Maybe next year we’ll venture back to Minnesota and trick or treat with the rest of the country. Unless it snows.

On another note, sending strong thoughts to all of our friends out east. Especially the South Brooklyn Weigtlifting Club folks. Be safe.

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