Pull The Trigger

I have been wanting to go shoot guns for a while. Growing up, I had the privilege of being around a lot of farm land where my father would hunt ducks and geese. The Eastern Shore of Maryland didn't shy away from it's gun use, but for me it was always a shotgun. Hand guns were never in my realm. When I lived alone almost 2 years ago, I thought about getting my CWP and making a purchase, but had never used one. Even my experience with a shot gun is a distant memory. It seemed a little far fetched and I was clueless... after today, I see the light. After several months of trying to nail down a time to go, plus with the assistance of someone who actually knows what they're doing, I headed to the Palmetto State Armory. 

A little shy on the lane at first, I quickly warmed up and went for the double tap. I was told that I did very well for a first timer and that my accuracy was great enough to pass the test, should I choose to do that. My tiny little hands wrapped around a Glock 19, which apparently is thee gun for me. I got to hold something a little smaller (I think a Glock 27?), but was told the kickback may be a little too much. Maybe I'll try that next time. There will definitely be a next time.

#TriggerTuesday

#RoundsonRoundsonRounds

Bang Bang

"Bang Bang" - not a fan at first, but it's growing on me, and for some reason today I can't seem to get enough. #CrunkCardio is tonight, and I might just have to place a special request.

10 Years and 9 Hours

I used to drive back to Maryland all the time coming to and from Clemson. It has been several years since I've made the trek. This past weekend I had the opportunity again. Wonderful.

It was well worth the drive, however, I'm not jumping at the chance to get back in the car. It was my 10 year high school reunion, and guess who was in charge?! Me. As Senior Class President I guess you get stuck in that roll. With help from my past prom date, we pulled off a great night.....from what I can remember. Red Eye's Dock Bar is notorious for a good time, cheap drinks, and a heavy pour. Well, that, and their bikini contests. Gosh, what a shame we missed out on that one.

With 9 hours ahead of me and a lack of activity on the blog over the past few month, me and my non-makeup, hungover self decided to try a video message...vlogging if you will.

perhaps the next video (will there be a next?) will have better preparation.... my homies:

Groundhog Day

Have you ever felt like your life was similar to the movie Groundhog Day? Maybe not as a whole, but at least a part? Recently I made that connection and came to the realization that a huge part of my life was on repeat. The '93 classic stars Bill Murray - or rather a character named Phil. He would go through the same thing again, and again, but each time tried to play his situation out differently. Their would be small differences to his repeating day, however, the same end result would occur. Phil finally realized that instead of going through the motions, he would take it with stride and improve upon himself and those around him. The changes were so positive that eventually, Phil broke the loop and moved on to the following day - never reliving the same Groundhog Day again.

I have found myself on repeat in multiple areas of my life. Sure we get up everyday, go to work, eat lunch, come home, have a routine, go to bed, and do it all over again, but that's not always what we need to change. Recently, my Groundhog Day was altered. The loop...broken. Just like the movie, Phil kissed Rita and everybody moved on. Though this time, I wasn't Rita. I was removed from the loop. Finding change difficult at first, I thought about it and well, maybe just like the movie, I'd take each day and try to fix something. I'd try to change it up for a different outcome. I'd get back in the swing of things. Literally. 

Always a hobby, just in the background, I've come back to golf, tennis, and found a new love like for running. I've been stuck going through the motions. I had a routine and I liked it. Though you can't figure out if there is a better way, or better plan, if you don't give up the old and go for the new. Phil broke the loop and what you are only led to believe at the end of the movie is that he goes back to visit that little town in Pennsylvania every year. If my memory serves me correctly, Phil ends up suggesting he will move there one day, but of course starting simply with a rental. We'll never know his choice, but there's a big difference between life's rentals and the ones you settle down in.

I've never been one for change. I get attached too easily and have a memory for everything. It actually blows my mind to think about the places I have lived and the friends I have made, because change is all over the place when I look at the big picture. I can remember, however, hating each transition, but moving on once the loop was broken. Never by me, sometimes simply by time, but always with a push. I've been thankful for each time (looking back of course) and from that, try to find the best in every situation. Even since February 2nd, I've reconnected with old friends and relationships, and have been reminded of the person I always try to be. 

Just remember tomorrow can be February 3rd, a new day. Get rid of something that's not at 100%, even if it hurts. Or try to be thankful it got rid of you. If you miss it, you can try to find it again. If you don't, you'll have your Rita... a new beginning and a new routine. And if nothing else, it's nice to know it's not 1993. There is Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, the Cloud, etc. etc.... nothing really dies, it just stays behind.

Ready, Set, Wet

I really thought I was going to end up sitting this one out, but today my dear friend Kristen asked me to partake in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Never one to turn down a dare, a request, or a friend, I obliged. Once dressed in red, white, and blue, Kristen and I were the USA champs of beer Olympics held in the Outer Bank of NC. I thought it was only fitting to spread my American cheer yet again. I'm sure by now you've been "tagged" so to speak. And if not, when you do, have fun with it. Fun can be contagious, and I'd choose a good laugh over being "too cool" any day. Give back, donate, and support a good cause.

Ridiculous...but medal worthy. 

#ICEBUCKETCHALLENGE