Friday Jams: Elvis

Posted on October 9, 2015 by tosabarbell

elvis

I like this picture of Elvis Presley. It’s real. As real (I believe) as he’d allow anyway. I wrote briefly the other day on how I miss Walter Payton, well, I miss having the voices of Elvis; Freddie Mercury, Bing Crosby. Real. Raw. Comforting. One of my favorite songs on my i-pod right now is Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now. It’s at the top of my current playlist. I just close my eyes and am enveloped in Freddie Mercury’s voice. Real singing. Pure. Starting the day with Freddy is just a good day.

I remember the day Elvis died. We were having a garage sale (I really hate those things but boy, getting twenty bucks cash for my old junk sure was fun) and I was inside while my Auntie was tallying up the sales to that point when it came on my AM radio that Elvis was dead. I was young, 10 years old I suppose. I wasn’t a huge Elvis fan but I knew that this was a big deal. A very big deal. I remember watching the news that night, the scene’s shown remind me of those in attendance when President Kennedy was shot. Shock, sadness. So much sadness.

I throw in an Elvis tune here and there on my playlists and his music was the only thing good about that stupid movie Lilo and Stitch (Srsly, Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind. Shut up, sometimes family is the exact people you should leave behind. Also, it was a toss up who was more annoying, the little girl or the alien. Srsly. I’ll listen to the soundtrack all day long but I’d rather watch elephants hump than that stupid movie again.)

Anyways.

My mom hated Elvis, that probably curbed the listening enjoyment as I was growing up. She thought he was vulgar. I think that’s kind of weird but to each their own. The 50’s weren’t happy times for her and music can bring such vivid memories of the past to us that I can understand her dislike.

But when Elvis died, I knew to remember that day. it’s not something I think about very often except times like this where I’m feeling a bit nostalgic for good and real things of the past. Music; sports; tube tops, and Levi’s corduroy bib overalls:

elvis1

I had a pair exactly like these. I loved them. I miss them too.

One of the best things about competing in the Highland Games in the Masters class is the fact that it is very likely that I’ll meet other people who also miss all this 70’s stuff. You don’t have to explain what Bonnie Bell Lipsmacker or Bubsdaddy bubble gum is.

elvis2

5 cents for a foot of bub’s daddy. My childhood was cool.

And then I met and spent time with my Las Vegas girl, Victoria Wechter and her love of Elvis makes me think about all this stuff. A better time for music, fashion, and sports. LeSigh.

So this one goes out to Victoria.

Enjoy the weekend,

More than anything else, I want the folks back at home to think right of me.

Elvis Presley 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Instagram

Posted on October 8, 2015 by tosabarbell
insta

From: Instagram Pictures of the Week

I really enjoy Instagram. The pictures can be stunning and drop ship you right into the realities around the world that are beautiful, tragic, fun, silly, and very cool. Although the hashtags tend to get a bit out of control, it’s far better off than the FB folks thinking they’re going to solve serious social and constitutional issues by sharing a motherfucking meme.

Srsly.

Anyways. During last night’s Cubbie play-off game, Matt and I started looking around Instagram at the “Bio’s” folks put on their accounts (what are we gonna do, watch the whole game? Uh uh, the most exciting part was when there was a bench clearing…puffing of the chests at each other and some Fabio looking dude losing his shit on a Gatorade cooler. But it’s the Cubbies who maybe get to go the Playoffs; kinda like a Halley’s Comet sighting.)

insta1

Photo credit: Adweek.com Halloween pictures of Instagram

The fun thing we noticed is that the more amazing and world class the person, the less they said in their Bio. Which really, for me, reflects the ebb and flow of the elite. They talk less, excel more. If you have to let everyone know on a social media Bio how awesome you are, ummmmm, you’re not that awesome.

Unless you really are. Here are some of our favorites:

Joe Kovacs: USA Track & Field athlete-Shot Put (He’s a World Champion. Like, a real World Champion.)

Nathan Parker: I throw heavy things in a kilt, my wife is hot, and my kids are awesome. (Very Nathan, understated in regards to himself, spot on in regards to the wife, dunno about the kids but I’ll trust him.)

Danica Patrick: Driver of the #10 GoDaddy Chevy. (Less is more)

Anthony Pettis: Father/Prize Fighter (I know one of his neighbors. When he moved in and the cars and boats started showing up, her husband thought a drug dealer was moving in next door. Then Mr. Pettis came over with his daughter to introduce themselves and said he was the absolute nicest man he’s ever met and HOLY SHIT WE LIVE NEXT TO ANTHONY PETTIS! True story.)

Arnold: Former Mr. Olympia, Conan, Terminator, and Governor of California. I killed the Predator. I told you I’d be back. (It seems as if he likes to have fun with his shit. I like that.)

David Storl: David Storl (’nuff said.)

Reese Hoffa: Professional Thrower, Recreational Rubik’s Cube Solver, Coach at Hoffa Throws Academy (Pictures of the Rubik’s cube solving included.)

Ed Coan: Worlds Greatest Powerlifter (True story.) 

Andy Vincent: Just trying to be better than I was yesterday. (Humble. Very humble.)

Adrian Wilson: #teamplayagain intothedistance.weebly.com (Includes an adorbs picture of she and her husband and the link to a documentary she is featured in.)

And the winner of the Instagram Bio’s go to…

Roger Federer: I’m a professional tennis player (Ya, no shit, the best that’s ever played. Geez.)

insta2

Photo Credit: Captivatedigitalmedia.com

OH! I imagine I should share mine, especially after some fun awards I’ve won this year that I want to let everyone know about:

Jules: Ma, Wife, Strength Coach (What it has been since day one. Well, up until a year and a half ago it said ‘girlfriend’ instead of wife but other then that, ya. These are the roles and accomplishments that speak most to who I am.)

True story.

Conceit is bragging about yourself. Confidence means you believe you can get the job done.

Johnny Unitas

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Big Man Got Jump

Posted on October 7, 2015 by tosabarbell
jump

Vidas Blekaitis celebrating his World Loglift Championship win!

I used to be amazed at the common misconceptions of Strongman by those who were starting out on their strength journey. I’m being kind here by saying “starting out on their strength journey” because it’s usually little douchebags who have a few months of lifting under their belt and think they’re something special because they just hit a leg press PR (no, I’m not against the leg press. It has it’s usefulness but so do squats, get under a bar or STFU.) We all know them. Someone hit a 185# push press and thinks they’re ready for Champions League (yo! dude, girls push press 185#. Ease back on the false lat spread walk through the gym, eh?)

Anyways. I’m not amazed anymore. The audacity of the ignorant that exudes in gyms these days fail to surprise. The notion of what it takes to become an advanced athlete stunted by mama’s all across America telling their 30 year old little babies that they’re the bestest in the world RIGHT NOW and if some old mean coach (or boss for that matter) tells them they’re not, well don’t believe them because they’re just jealous of little baby’s awesomeness. (Think I’m wrong? Think again.)

The Strongman, the top ones and those working up to that point (Tebow), have been working a lifetime in some fashion to achieve what they do. If you’re just starting out at 30 years old, congratulations. Starting is awesome, keep working. But the big guys, those we watch achieve amazing feats of strength (and delude ourselves into thinking we can do the same thing), they’ve already been at it for over 15 years cuz they started back in childhood. It’s one of my favorite responses of Matt’s when a man asks him how to get as big and strong as him, “Roll back the clock 15 years and start training. Good luck.” 

There is a perfect storm for these top athletes. Those we watch on Sunday’s running up and down fields, crushing each other in hopes to come away with a pigskin ball (no really though, do they still use pigskin?) Hard work, proper training, a positive support system, determination, a little bit of luck and GENETICS! See how many of us can have everything leading into the last, most important, characteristic?

Genetics. That one little piece of the puzzle that will determine if you’re Log Pressing 200 kilos or 200 pounds. Now, there are many who do a fine job of making up for their genetics not stacking up against a Big Z or a Walter Payton but in most cases, tapping into that genetic potential will give you that extra jump.

Jump. There’s a reason why testing of the vertical jump in younger athletes is an integral part of determining potential.

Cuz ya gotta have jump.

jump1

Andy Vincent doing the Caber turn happy dance. Photo Credit: Douglass Sisk, scottishheavyphotography.com (check his photo’s out, they’re amazing. We’ve bought some to put up in the gym.)

Now, I’m a huge Walter Payton fan. I miss his style of play. Never quit, even in his personal life at the end. Class on the field. You knew you would see something of beauty when watching the Bears in the 70’s and 80’s. Walter Payton had jump:

jump2

Sweetness. I’m guessing after this play he just handed the ball back to the ref and jogged back to the huddle. I miss Walter Payton.

But, as you know, I have a soft spot in my heart for those big guys and there’s just something fun about catching a photo when those big guys show why they’re the best of the best…

jump3

Olympic American Weightlifting Shane Hamman would often hit a back flip after a good lift. 350# folks.

jump5

Having Randy White coming at you had to be slightly terrifying…or wonderful (depends who you ask I guess;)

The explosiveness needed for those amazing jumps is also what’s needed for top level Strongman. I understand that while we watch on television the few minutes of World Strongest Man we’re allowed each year, we see strong. Strong is recognizable. But there are too many young lifters and athletes out there who don’t understand JUMP and that’s a huge fail.

In this video, you get a “through the stairs” glimpse of Big Z’s jump game. I know I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again,  watching him in action is a gift. To see his strength, power, and explosiveness is nothing short of mystical. Big man got jump. FoSho.

My hubby has jump. I forget that sometimes like when I hit him with a drive-by bratty comment and keep walking, it’s actually surprising how fast and explosive he can be to catch me (truth be told, I don’t even try to get away;)

jump6

Matt after his 5th place finish in the 2013 World Loglift Championships in Vilnius, Lithuania with Champions League co-founder Ilkka Kinnunen and World Strongest Man Svend Karlsen.

Matt’s “JUMP” is part of the reason why he still has an open invitation to any Champions League event he wants to attend. (Do I smell another Lithuanian trip next fall????)

But see, he’s 40, and he started training when he was 15. And he has JUMP. So catch up if you can, but to ignore this vital piece of training (especially WITHOUT the genetics of the best), well…good luck on that dude.

Never die easy. Why run out of bounds and die easy? Make that linebacker pay. It carries into all facets of your life. It’s okay to lose, to die, but don’t die without trying, without giving it your best.

Walter Payton

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friday Jams: Here’s To Good Friends…

Posted on October 2, 2015 by tosabarbell

…but with better beer.

I have written exhaustively about the friendships you make at Highland Games. I believe it is different than almost all other sports, absolutely different than any sport I’ve been associated with. While many of us show up to compete as hard as we can, no matter WHAT happens by the end of the day, I always know that I will be having fun with friends.

I was thinking of this the other day. Last weekend, I had a chance to connect with Kerry Overfelt and Craig Smith. KO and Craig were here in Wisconsin at my first Highland Games and both hold a special place in my heart. They were encouraging and helpful and the next year when we were reunited at the Wisconsin Games they even got stern with me on my distance throws (I had been dabbling in winding around the head and one turning the event. Craig’s comment? “If that worked Juli, we’d all be doing it.” ) True story. KO then took me off to the side and had me repeat a footwork drill about 837 times until I got it enough to take it home and practice it on my own. Turns out that it’s one of my stronger events and when I start to stray from solid footwork, I go right back to that drill.

Anyways.

On Saturday night, we were talking a bit about which Games were favorites. Craig asked me which had been my favorite so far and I had to think about it. I really enjoy seeing amazing feats of strength and athleticism so those were the first to come to mind. Kristi Scott’s 20′ standing WOB was at Enumclaw; Dan McKimm’s Hammer throws were amazing in Pleasanton; seeing Hafthor go for a WOB world record also at Pleasanton. Those are what stuck in my head. But on the drive home I thought about it a little more and came up with this,

My favorite Games is the one I’m at.

True story.

Whether it’s in the cold and snow or 100 degree heat, I’m having fun. Now, I may be more COMFORTABLE at the Games that are partly sunny, 75 degrees and a nice little breeze that’s not bad enough to mess with my already struggling Cabers but even if it’s not, I’m having fun.

Why? Cuz I’m with my Husband (if I’m lucky, it’s rare but we do hit Games separately at times) and I’m with my peeps. Depending on where the Games are, I could be with my Mid-West peeps; or my SE peeps; NW peeps or friends from Cali. But I am fortunate enough to know that in almost all cases, when I step on the field, I will do so with friends.

Last weekend was no different except for the fact that not only do we get fun field time, but we get off-field time. Time for some real conversations; real laughs; real meals; real Wine and real Manhatten’s (those Double Tree Manhatten’s were night enders but Ooooooo, they were good!)

When we were unpacking the car on Friday after registration as folks were heading out for dinner, I stopped to talk with the Germans. Michaela, Petra, and her husband Uli are absolute treasures of the Highland Games community. They are always positive, helpful, and tons of fun! We were talking about their plans after the Games and they said they were coming to Milwaukee. Here’s how the conversation went….

Michaela: We’re going to Milwaukee.

Me: I live in Milwaukee.

Michaela: Yes, we go to Harley Davidson (Michaela rides)

Me: Where are you staying?

Michaela: We don’t know yet.

Me: Then you’ll stay at the house. 

Done deal.

We had an amazing visit; did a little shopping (I had Petra on a clock according to our Parking Meter which was a delight for shopping weary Uli); and got some throwing drills from Uli while the ladies were in various stores. A wonderful lunch at Lakefront Brewery to give them their first taste of Cheese Curds (you don’t get out of Milwaukee without at least one basket full of cheese curds) and Beer Cheese soup along with other tasty treats. It was such an unexpected treat I can’t believe it actually happened.

What we DID expect; however; was the extended time with our West Coast-ish (Phoenix isn’t West Coast but it IS West of here) friends Max and Yvonne Sadtler and Mark and Victoria Wechter. Along with seeing and spending time with so many other’s; Karyn, Beth and Shannon, Mona and Grant, Sue and Ruth, Edie, Becky and Bonnie, so many that it makes me nervous to start naming names because I WILL forget people!

We’ve been spoiled rotten this season by seeing our West Coast friends so often that it quickly becomes the norm and our Sushi dinner on Saturday night was as normal as if we do it all the time. I believe, as we continue to age, that we have just adapted to picking up right where we left off. We don’t have to waste time familiarizing ourselves to each other, we just enjoy.

What an absolute treat. I’ll even add an addendum to my previous answer on my favorite Games, it’s the one where our friends are…and that means each and every one.

As a general rule, I do not like good-bye’s. Too many of them as a kid I guess. And to be honest, I had my moments of melancholy on my drive home from St. Louis by myself. It helped tons that I knew I’d be able to spend a little bit more time with the Germans but to look forward to something for so long and to have it pass so quickly is a total buzz kill. But I’ve learned, as I prepare to speak those dreaded good-bye’s, to just say, “See you next time. Love you.” And then it’s not so scary.

So here’s to good friends, our time is always special. Thank you for making the Games we share with you my favorite.

One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.

Euripides

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment