Man, I Feel Like a Woman

One of the ladies I am extremely proud of

It’s been a crazy busy week at work.   For those who wonder what exactly it is that I do at 88 Tactual, welcome to my world. I sometimes wonder too.  

I do a little bit of everything.  I am an instructor and teach most of the handgun classes.  I also help to schedule classes, make sure the other instructors have what they need (not required,  I’m just like that), do the marketing, take care of the social media/email, and keep track of our students training by entering in their information in our database so we have a record of who has taken what class.  I also work with images to create marketing materials.  And I work pretty closely with the boss to make sure things keep running as smoothly as possible.   

I am not quite sure how I ended up doing any of the above. I never applied for a job or even so much as inquired.   And its not like I was bored.   I actually had a very busy life running  my own CCW classes, other handgun classes, leading the local chapter of The Well Armed Woman Shooting Chaptes, running my own non-profit organization,  leading mission teams, and of course keeping up with the housework, cooking, and being a grandparent to some amazing kiddos. 

Women are like that.  We can do a lot.  Sometimes we kid ourselves into thinking we can do everything at the same time.  We can not do everything all at the same times, but close.  Very close. 

This week I think I’ve been in overdrive.  Monday and Tuesday I worked all day organizing all of our files and entering all those names into the database.  Monday and Tuesday evenings I assisted on the range for our Tactical Monday/Tuesday classes.  Wednesday was all day office work at home, then running out of stuff and running errands to get more stuff and then continuing on with the office work.   Fortunately I can do the bulk of this work at home so it’s a bit easier to watch the dogs and make sure Cooper is not eating the house and making sure dinner gets on the table.  

Why yes, I do teach men too

Tonight I will be the lead on the Ladies Only Skill Builder. I’m looking forward to it.  They will be learning the skills of moving and shooting.  I absolutely love to teach, and I especially love to teach women. 

I  love seeing women who have come to value themselves enough to believe that they are worth defending.  

I feel like every time they show up for a class it’s a statement of their self-worth.   And every time they struggle to learn is a testament to their bravery and courage.  These women don’t allow the opinions of others to dissuade them.  They plow on, knowing that they are doing the best thing for themselves and those they love.   It makes me just want to stand and cheer for them.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that its about so much more than guns. 

I think that is why it disturbs me so greatly when I pick up on a vibe, overhear a comment, or see women being treated or talked about with disrespect on a range.  It used to make me really angry, and truth be told, it still does, but I've come to feel sorry for the poor fool who holds those opinions.  He has no idea what he is missing out on. Women are amazing.  And they know, they always know who respects them and who doesn't.  Another reason I feel sorry for those poor fools. A woman who values herself and knows you don't is not a creature to look down upon.  

Things Worth The Money: Lucchese Boots!

Sometimes I'm smart and learn things because somebody tells me something and I actually listen. Other times I have to learn the hard way. 

I have learned the hard way that you really do get what you pay for.  There is a huge difference between price and value and sometimes value comes with a higher price tag.

I am telling you this because I don't want you to faint and fall down and hurt yourself when you see the price tag on these boots.

I've already told you how much I love boots.  They are one of my very favorite things in life, but it was only recently that I purchased good boots.  

Oh I have boots.  I have a bunch of them.  And I like them.  They are cute.  And they didn't cost me a whole lot.  And... they pretty much kill my feet.

It began with an internet search. I was searching the World Wide Web looking for love.  I was actually searching the World Wide Web looking for some pretty cowgirl boots when I came across a pair that had my name on them. I mean they literally had my name on them.  They are made by Lucchase and called Amberlyn (my middle name is Lynn).  Well that settled it.  It was like a sign or something.  These boots were obviously meant for me!
.  

And then I checked the price!   They were about 5 times what I normally pay for footwear.  Needless to say all of those  hopes were dashed to smitherines..  But my sweet hubby told me that I work hard and that  I needed to do something nice for myself and suggested I go ahead and buy them.  I do love that man.  But not just because he lets me buy boots.  


So off I went to Liberty Western in Lebanon and ordered a pair,  Now, I have to tell you that the moment I slipped my foot inside of one of these babies I knew it was going to be something special.  I knew they were pretty but I had no idea that they would feel soooooo good on my feet.  I'm not kidding when I say they are like wearing house slippers.  They are a little more flashy than what I usually wear but I figure at my age, the more attention I can draw to my boots and away from other things, the better.  

Normaly its suggested that you wear them for short periods of time at first to break them in,but I would have none of that.  I wore them all day the first day I had them and at the end of the day my feet did not hurt for the first time in a long, long time!  


These boots are handcrafted and are of superior quality.  Yes, you do get what you pay for.  I wish I had learned a little earlier in life that buying good quality footwear will pay for itself in the long run. 

If taken care of, these boots will last a lifetime.  To me, that is value.  And my aching feet are no longer aching.  And that makes them worth every.... single ....penny.  

Favorite Places: Young's Jersey Dairy

Have you been to Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, OH?  You really should go!  Young's is a real working dairy farm with a LOT of attractions for families.  

They also make their own ice cream and cheese, which you can eat at the restaurant that is located there.   Its a great place to take the family for all kinds of fun ... and cuteness.  I mean, how adorable is this girl? 

 And the cheese curds .. .. oh my .... don't leave without getting an order. Don't worry, there will be a line, but it moves pretty fast and they are sooo worth the wait.

There are activities for kids of all ages, such as mini golf, batting cages, a petting zoo where you can feed the animals (bring lots of quarters for the corn).  There is a cute barrel ride around the farm for the little ones as well as a kiddie coral where they can play in the bounce house or ride on farm toys. 

They also have special events scattered throughout the year. You can pick your own pumpkin, work your way through a corn maze, or go on a hayride in the fall.   You might find a vintage truck show, or wool gathering in late summer.   There is a gift shop and lots of places to just sit and take it easy and do some people watching which always proves to be entertaining.

All of that is worth the trip, but lets be honest,. I really just go for the cheese curds.

The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You Willl Ever Need. Ever!

Ok, I normally don't post recipes here.  I mean, I don't consider  myself a great cook. I do have a page for recipes that I've collected along the way over here, but none of them are my own. I mainly created that page when my kids moved out so that when they called and asked, 'how do I make _______" I had a place to send them.

However, you know I like to tell you about good things that I come across, and boy, did I ever come across something special.

Tonight I was getting ready for a family reunion and was debating whether or not to bake cookies for it.  I decided that no one would hate me if I did, so rather than go to my usual recipe I checked online and came across this recipe.

Oh man .... I'm soooo glad I did!  I went for it.  I shouldn't have.  I mean I'm glad I did.  Really glad,  But I shouldn't have because I really need to lose some weight and even though they are for a family reunion, I will probably eat some. I shouldn't ... but I know I will.  Note: the only thing that would have made them better is using regular chocolate chips.  All I had on  hand were the mini chips and didn't want to make a special trip to the store.  They still taste amazing but would look better.  

So go over to this page and find them.  They have an unusual ingredient in them that you don't normally find in chocolate chip cookies, and I'm tellin' ya, it makes all the difference!  Don't leave it out because it seems strange.  Truly, this is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you'll ever need!  They are that good!  

Good Morning From the Farm

This week I had a rare few days with nothing pressing on my schedule and decided on a whim to go back to my hometown and see if I could begin to piece together stories of our family history.  

I had already done the research some years ago but felt there were stories that I was missing that would put flesh on bones and make the names in my family history seem more real.  And well, being on the farm is always good for the soul. 

I think these stories are worth preserving for my own generation and for those generations that follow. They are the stories that form us and make us who we are.  Sure, there is more to it than that, but I truly believe that an awful lot gets passed down, intentionally or not.

It was fun sitting and listening to my mom and her sisters talk and reminisce about their childhood.  I heard funny stories about how when my uncle did something he wasn't supposed to and got caught, he lied and said that my aunt (his sister) did it.  When she was in trouble he was outside looking at her through the window and taunting her with "nah, nah, nah, nah".  She was so angry that she grabbed the BB gun and shot him!  Then she was in BIG trouble.  Funny thing is, of all my aunts, she is the one I would least expect that from!   

Mom and two of her sisters at lunch

I heard the familiar stories of how my grandparents were dirt poor but were hard workers and  how that hard work (and a little luck) paid off.  My grandfather started out selling tomatoes to the cannery in town and ended up with over 500 acres of farm land that also contained oil and coal.

The thing that stood out those, is not the luck, sure that is a part of it, but I don't believe for one second that the luck would have happened if not for the hard work.  

I heard stories of my grandmother working out in the fields while pregnant, picking corn and  husking it until her hands bled.  They had a hard life and earned every penny they ever made.  They were the kind of people who were not soft, but were solid, the kind of people that built this country and all that makes it great.  Were they perfect? Not by any stretch of the imagination.  But they were honest, decent, hardworking people.  I'm proud to have those kind of people in my heritage.

In a world that talks about privilege and seeks assistance for everything (yeah, I said that), its a good reminder that we are all far more privileged than we can imagine to live in a such a country where hard work will pay off - no matter who you are. It may not pay off quickly and it may not pay off in the way we think it should, but it will pay off.  

Favorite Places: The Fish Hut!

For this "Favorite Place" I'm going to take you on a trip to my hometown and introduce you to the very best fish sandwich you will ever find anywhere!   

In the small southern Indiana town of Petersburg, Indiana, in a converted gas station on the corner of 9th street, you will find a hidden gem, The Fish Hut.  

Its a place you could easily pass by and miss but that would be a mistake.  A big mistake.  I crave this fish sandwich.  Sometimes I consider driving the 4.5 hour drive just to get one.  They are that good!  

To be honest, I think part of the appeal is that it takes me back to my childhood and the days of the Catfish Festival in my hometown.  I remember getting the best fish sandwiches at that festival and these sandwiches are almost exactly what I remember from back then.  I like mine with ketchup, pickle, and onion but you can get it "loaded" if you want.  

Oh, and while you're in town, they are also known for their pizza!  I'm always torn but every time I end up going for that spectacular fish sandwich.  

Check them out online at The Fish Hut or on their Facebook page. 

*I am not employed by the Fish Hut or compensated in any way by them.  Its just a great place to check out.  

Small Business Spotlight: Liberty Western

For this small business spotlight I will take you to the historic small town of Lebanon, Ohio to the Liberty Western shop.  

Upon entering the store you will find rooms filled to the brim with everything for the western lover.  

Even if you don't have a horse, you will find  browsing the tack room a pleasure. Saddles, bits and spurs, grooming supplies,, and that wonderful smell of leather all fill the space and take me back to my childhood to my uncle's place whee I grew up loving horses


There is a room for kid's stuff too. Toys, clothes, and the most adorable little boots!  

And then there are cowboy hats!   Shelves full of 'em. I really just wanted to try them all on for fun but I'm a grown up and grown ups aren't supposed to do things like that. 







But the real attraction for me were the boots!  

There's just something about walking into a room and seeing dozens of boots lining the walls. 

 You gotta admit, its a thing of beauty. 

Speaking of beauty, I put in an order for these Lucchese boots!  

They name - Amberlyn. When you find a boot with the same name as you, its a sign that you have to buy them, right?  They are also made it El Paso,TX where my dad was stationed in the Army.  Another sign!      

And after you have taken in all that Liberty Western has to offer, I suggest you take a stroll around downtown Lebanon and enjoy all of the unique shops.  If you're looking for a great dinner, the Golden Lamb is right there on the main drag.  The Golden Lamb is Ohio's oldest hotel and has been visited by twelve U.S. Presidents.  Such notable people as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe,and Daniel Webster have also visited the location.  Just knowing that makes you want to go see it, doesn't it.  

The restaurant is amazing and the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.  

If a burger is more you're style, I highly recommend the Black Horse Tavern just behind the Golden Lamb.  One of the best burgers I've ever had, and I'll be back for more in the future. 

I am not employed by or compensated in any way by Liberty Wester, The Golden Lamb, or the Black Horse Tavern. I just like to let you know when I find something that is worth the time to check out.  

How Did This Happen? How Did Any of This Happen?

Do you ever just step back and wonder where time went and how in the world you got to where you are? 

I did that today.  I logged into Facebook and saw a picture of my two grandsons on their first day of 3rd grade.  THIRD GRADE!  How did that happen?  When did they grow up?  When did I get old enough to have grandchildren in third grade?  I don't feel old enough to have grandkids much less grandkids in 3rd grade!

It seems like yesterday we were struggling to feed them every three hours and keep up with the laundry and diapers.  It was my joy  to be able to help out my son and daughter-in-law in those early days and I often found myself staring at two little bodies in the crib and thinking, 'HOW ARE THEY WINNING??   There are three of us and two of them ... and we're bigger ... and they're winning".  Those were exhausting days.  But  I wouldn't trade one moment of those day for anything .  Not even a second.  Those were some of the best days we get to experience in life.  

And my granddaughter, who is all of six years-old was invited to try out for a gymnastics team and compete against other teams!  I'm telling ya, that girl will make it.  She has NO fear.  She is tenacious.   And she is slightly obsessed with gymnastics.  I fully expect her to rule the world one day.  

Not to get all sappy, but .... oh well, I'm may as well go right ahead and get sappy.  All of this kid growing up stuff reminds me of an old song by Wayne Watson that was popular when my boys were growing up. 

I warn you, if you are a parent, grab a tissue before you read one more word.  And if you're not a parent, grab one anyway. 



There are watercolour ponies

On my refrigerator door

And the shape of something

I don't really recognize

Drawn by careful little fingers

And put proudly on display

A reminder to us all

Of how time flies

And a stairway laced with toys

Gives a blow by blow

Reminder of the war

That we fight for their well-being

For their greater understanding

To impart a holy reverence for the Lord



But baby, what will we do

When it comes back to me and you

They look a little less like little boys every day

Oh the pleasure of watching the children growing is mixed with a bitter cup

Of knowing the watercolor ponies

Will one day

Ride away

Hey, don't say I didn't warn you!   If you are a parent, know that there truly is life beyond kids.  And it can be a good life.  A really, really good life.   I loved every minute of watching my boys grow and I love every minute I get with my grandkids now, and yet, here I am today, getting ready to go teach a class full of women how to be better prepared to defend themselves.  Yes, I am a grandma and I work with Special Operations Military guys and SWAT cops doing firearms training.  Life has a way of pulling crazy tricks on you like that and taking you to places you never dreamed possible and never in a million years planned for. 

Bottom line, you have no idea what the future holds.  Don't sweat it.  Don't grieve it (too much).  Drink it up and enjoy every minute.   You're making memories that you will never ever lose ... and there are things ahead that will simply blow your mind.  

A Few of My Favorite Things

Its raining here in Ohio today, the kind of steady rain that makes you want to stay in bed and take it easy. It has made me think of some of my favorite things.  You know, those things that feel like they wrap around you, warm your soul and just make life ... better.  I thought I would share them with you just in case you need a reminder of the good things in life.    Here are some of the things that just make me happy. I bet you like some of these things too!

Fireplaces  

Its still summer so a fireplace isn't in order today but oh man, don't you just love watching a crackling fire and relaxing at the end of a long day.   That fire can hypnotize you and make it seem like any concern just melts away.  You know what I'm talking about, right.  

Jackets

I love jackets. Dressy jackets.  Sporty jackets, Long jackets.  Hooded jackets. Rain jackets.  It doesn't matter.  I love 'em all.  They are cute and fashionable, and oh don't I just love that they hide a million flaws.  I mean really, have you ever seen anybody that doesn't look better in a jacket?  I rest my case.  I really need to live in a cooler climate so I can wear jackets every single day.   

Boots 

I have come to the conclusion that it is virtually impossible to have too many pairs of boots.  Its a fact.  I don't have nearly as many pairs as I would like to have, and in fact have my eye on a pair of pretty Lucchese cowgirl boots right now.  That reminds me, when I was a little girl I had a pair of black cowgirl boots with red and white inlays.  Man I felt like I had the world in my hands when I wore those boots.  I bet that is where this boot obsession started!  These pretty things here are going to be mine soon.  Very soon.  I mean they are even named Amberlyn so its like a law that I have to get them, right?  

Coffee Mugs

There is nothing like a good cup of coffee in a good, hearty mug.  I really like the earthy, slightly imperfect stoneware mugs.  Something about those are just more comforting than a regular coffee cup.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I like a pretty delicate cup too, but there's just no replacing the feel of a good solid stoneware mug.  On a cold day you can wrap your hands around a hot mug and suddenly life is just ... better.  

Quilts

Is there anything better than wrapping up in a soft, cozy quilt?  Something about that just makes the worst of days seem bearable. 

Did you know that my grandma Fern Davis used to make the most beautiful quilts?  She had a special talent for putting just the right colors and patterns together to make an extraordinarily beautiful quilt.  People would travel from all over the United States and pay big money for one of her quilts.  Speagle catalogue (is that even a thing anymore?) asked her to make quilts for them.  All of her kids and grandkids were lucky enough to be given at least one of her quilts and I've always been torn as to whether or not to use them.  I do.  I figure I am the last in my family that will truly appreciate them so I do use them.  It reminds me of sitting on the porch swing with her and watching her piece together a quilt.  

Front Porches

When we built our house I insisted on two things.  It had to have a fireplace (it has two) and it had to have a front porch (it also has a back porch).  I do try, not always successfully, to make a few minutes each day when the weather is right to sit out there and take a break.  Get a nice cold glass of lemonade, or a cup of coffee, and just ... be.   And if its raining like it is today its even more peaceful.  What a comforting thing to settle back in a wicker rocker and smell the rain and just watch life go by for a bit.  

Really, Really Good Chocolate

Who doesn't love chocolate?  Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with nuts, chocolate malts, chocolate brownies, chocolate covered bacon, hot chocolate...sorry, I got a little carried away there.  If you read my earlier blog about Mr. Geary, then you know where my chocolate addiction began.  I do love just about any chocolate, but here in Ohio we have some extra special chocolate.  If you've had it, you know what I'm talking about. Esther Price chocolates!  Oh my... where to even begin.  They are a delectable treat.  One of the perks of being a pastor's family is that a local funeral home here in town gives a box of these to all of the area ministers for Christmas each year.  Brian has become good friends with that funeral director and one year the annual box of Esther Price chocolates was forgotten. He has been making it up ever since by brining a box every time he sees Brian.  If you haven't tried them, what on earth are you waiting for???  Get you some!  

And my list just wouldn't be complete without DOGS! 

Dogs are truly a blessing to mankind. I was wondering last night as I snuggled with mine, why they love humans? Its easy to see why we love dogs, they are loyal, quirky, funny, warm, and will always, always love you no matter what.  But why on earth do they love us?  Maybe that's what makes them so special  - they don't need a reason to love us, they just do. Isn't that what every single one of us is looking for? 

But I Want To Do It!

I had a lot of fun teaching a CCW class  yesterday.  Well, actually, I didn't teach too much of it. Although I love teaching, and, as strange as it sounds I've come to love standing in front of a classroom full of people, I had two Apprentices assisting yesterday who also love to teach and  wanted to do a part of the class    


As the lead instructor for the class I could have just said,, "that's okay, I've got it",  but I want them to get some time in front of the class too.  Over the years I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that a good leader will make sure that their team is sharp and has everything they need to be as much of an asset to the team as possible .  

Leadership is not about elevating yourself, but about elevating others.  Too, too often I have seen leaders who want to be the visible one, the knowledgeable one, the "superior" one.  That my friends is an example of poor leadership. In fact, I dare say it is not leadership at all.  Its ego.  And ego is a destructive force within a team.

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*Side note about this photo*  I love this picture!  I did not take it.  Its a picture of my son leading Emma around on a pony.  I love it because its a great picture of the dad that Logan has become. I love it too because it takes me back to my childhood and to my uncle Shirley's house.  My uncle had horses and from as far back as I can remember,  this was a familiar sight.  It seems he always had one of us up on a horse and was leading us around the yard.  I loved every minute of that and count those memories as some of the best of my childhood.  When my boys were little, we took a trip back "home"and before I knew it, he had them up on  horses and was leading them around the yard.  Some things never change, and I"m glad they don't. 

Being An Apprentice

I was torn as to whether to post this on this page or on the Firearms Training page, but since this is more of a personal take on things, I thought it should go here. If your really just not that in to guns, you can move on, or stick around and you might be surprised that this is not about guns in the least.

My life as an Apprentice with 88 Tactical of Ohio began in late 2016.  I remember well the shock I felt when Phil asked if I wanted to work for him.  "Uhhhh... yeah .... is that a real question?"    Honestly, I had no idea that working for 88 Tactical was even a remote option.  There are a lot of people who would LOVE to work for 88 Tactical.   Its a sweet, sweet job.  But many of those people are not aware of the process and what it takes.  I thought I would outline that process here, at least as I understand it. 

Once you are selected as an Apprentice, and I do think you are selected.  Those who come and ask to be, usually don't make the cut.  This is an elite training organization and it basically comes down to this - if they want you, they will come and find you.   

But once you are selected, you will be given your blue patch and then, your responsibilities begin.  88 Tactical operates on a color patch system much like that of Martial Arts. 

Apprentice - Blue Patch

Instructor - Green Patch

Lead Instructor - Tan Patch

Senior Instructor - Black Patch





As an Apprentice you are to put in a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer time.  The best way to do that is to SHOW UP.  Show up and sit in on as many of the classes as you can.  Yes, you may take the classes free of charge (and you should) but show up to work as well. And here is a hint - show up often!

• Show Up Early.  See what the Instructor needs and make sure they have it.   See what they need for the classroom and get it for them.  Find out what they need on the range and set up the targets accordingly.  Go glue the targets to the backers and when the range becomes available, set up the range according to the Instructor's needs.
  
  
• Sit in and Listen.  Your job as an Apprentice is to listen and learn.  Learn how the classes run.  Learn the material.  Learn the range protocols.  Even if you are familiar with firearms and shooting - and even if you are already an Instructor with a different organization - listen and learn.  The training philosophy behind 88 Tactical is a bit different than you might find other places.  Everything we do is behaviorally based.  That means that we study human behavior and see how people really respond when something bad happens and then base the training off of that.  Its actually a science.  As an Apprentice you may offer assistance to a student but NEVER interrupt an Instructor.  It is generally a good practice to offer suggestions.  Even as an Instructor who is assisting another instructor in teaching, I let them lead.  I do not try to teach their class for them.  Its THEIR class.  I really believe it is important to know your place. Just having a title doesn't mean that you should take over if someone else is leading. 
  
  
• Stay Late.  After the class is over, it is your job to clean up.  Take the targets down and put them in their proper place.  Return any rental guns to the range counter (flagged) and sweep up all brass and place it in the buckets.  Sweep up paper and place in the trash.  Make sure the range is at least as good and preferably  better than you found it.
  
  
• Follow Up.  Follow up with the Instructor to make sure everything is done according to their liking.  We often do a debrief.  This is a good time to ask any questions about anything you saw that you had questions about.

You will do all of this for a minimum of a year.  My first year, and even to this day, I show up and do whatever I see that needs to be done.  If the trash needs taken out, take it out.  If the office needs to be cleaned, clean it.  If the old targets need to be torn off of the backers and thrown away, do it.  I'm not always sure of myself.  I mainly do stuff and hope its okay.  If its not, you'll find out, and trust me on this, the world will not come crashing down if you do something wrong.  Of course, that attitude led to a completely other job of doing the Administrative and Marketing component of the business.  Something I am not really trained for but ... I'm learning.

Being an Apprentice does not mean that you will ever be an Instructor.  You may be.  It really depends on you.  I could write out a list of dos and don'ts but really, if you need that list, you are probably not one that would be selected in the first place.  Once Phil has determined that you are right for 88 Tactical, then you will be awarded the Green Patch and made an Instructor.  No time for a big head here.  You are still here to serve.  In fact, there is probably one thing that will destroy all hope of being a part of 88 Tactical - arrogance.  If you are arrogant, or a show off, or in any way there to draw attention to yourself, you are probably not going to fly with us.

In December of 2017 I received my Green Patch.  The blue one is still my favorite.  Its my favorite because it signifies that I was selected.  Astonishingly, gratefully, selected. 

Things Worth The Money: Keens

A few years ago I was suffering some wicked plantar fasciitis, which, if you have experienced it, is just awful.  I tend to describe it as walking on shards of glass.  Being famously stubborn, I put off going to the doctor until it was bad.  Really bad.  Long boring story short - I did everything the doctor recommended and went through all of the treatment recommendations outside of surgery ... and ... nothing.  It still hurt every time I took a step.

I don't tell you this for sympathy.  I tell you this because I found something that worked like nothing else did!  Shoes!!  GOOD shoes! 

Now I'm sure there are many other options out there that would also be amazing, but this is my story and so I'm going to tell you about my shoes. 

The first pair I bought were Keens H2O Newport.  They were SOOO comfortable and made walking pleasurable again.  I wore them until they looked like something the cat had dragged in.  I still wear them. I shouldn't, but I do because they are just so comfortable.  And besides, they're dark blue so who's gong to notice how worn out they are, right? 






I have since bought other Keen Shoes.  A few more.  The Targhee are great but my favorites are the Voyager.  I have bought two pairs of those.  Again I wore the first pair mostly out and then Cooper finished them off. 














A pair of Keens will run you around $100 (more or less depending on where you find them).   And they are worth every single penny!   

Imagine how excited I was to find these H20s made of hemp!  

Narrowing My Focus

Sometimes you have to step back and make some tough decisions. 

I've been debating this for a while but yesterday I stepped down as the Regional Trainer for Ohio and Kentucky chapters of TWAW. 

I have been so very humbled to have been among some of the amazing women who were selected to serve in this new and important program. And I am incredibly grateful to those of you who put your name and reputation behind me and recommended me for the position. As I went through the interview process and saw the names of some of the other women who were in the running, it was humbling to be among them. Honestly, I wasn't sure I belonged in that group of impressive women but its nice to know that someone else thought so. 

It was a tough decision because its such an important role. The Regional Trainers will be responsible for overseeing the training of the leaders and instructors in their region. In short, they will be training the trainers. 

I'm still kind of amazed that I was given that opportunity and it means more than I can say, but I don't feel that I can give it the attention and time that I would need to invest to be able to do my best. I will still be serving as the State Leader and doing my best to lead the North Cincinnati Chapter.

I'm grateful to have this amazing life.  

Small Business Spotlight: Smart Solutions Fitness

As much as I possibly can, I really like to support small, local businesses.  They are the heart and soul of our community and often have higher quality goods and services than the bigger chains offer.

One such local business is Smart Solutions Fitness located at 1188 Pyramid Hill Boulevard, Hamilton, OH.  Smart Solutions is owned and operated by Julie Lindbloom.  Julie is an Athletic Trainer and can help you with general fitness, strengthening exercises, and can even help with recovery from an injury.

I went to Julie last year after a knee surgery and I can highly recommend her!  She is patient, encouraging, and gives you just enough of a challenge to get you to where you want to be.

Some of the services she offers are:

Personal Training

Just $40/session
One-on-one personal training session includes movement assessment, body composition, and implementation of workout program customized to your body's needs and stated goals.

TRX Classes

10 classes for $100

Whole body and core no matter what you do with TRX make it as easy or as hard as is appropriate to your skill level. TRX is very effective for conditioning and strengthening.



Not only is Julie a professional in her approach to fitness, but I have had the pleasure of knowing her for a few years and can tell you that she is honest, hardworking, dependable, and completely trustworthy.  She is good people!

Check her out at the Smart Solutions Fitness Facebook page

The Times They Are A Changin'

Its such a strange time. I've not posted about it because 1, its not for me to say. I don't like to post other people's business. And 2. its not about me. Not even a little bit. Often on post like this people will be kind and supportive and offer comforting sentiments and that is nice but its not about me. Not at all.

Many of you are aware that our Senior Pastor has been suffering failing health for a long, long time. By all appearances, he is now in the home stretch. It is unlikely that he will be back at church.

That brings about changes. Lots of changes. None of which are unexpected or have not been prepared for, as least as much as you can prepare for something like that.

Today my husband brought a message about "how to prepare for the final goodbye". Obviously it related to our congregation but I like to think that the message would be applied to others ho are also facing the loss of a loved one too. . Did I mention Howard has been the pastor there for decades. He was my pastor when I moved here when I was 14 years old. That gives you an idea of the depth of loss the congregation is experiencing.

It was a strange service today. Completely unknown to us and unplanned for was the presence of several who had attended our church years ago. The District pastor was also there - something I don't recall ever occurring in the 30+ years that we have been here. Strange. God planned? They had absolutely no way of knowing what the service would be today or even who would be bringing the message.

Church feels "different" now too. I feel us coming together and being closer, more kind, and more gentle than we have been in a while. I hope Howard feels that too. I'm almost certain that he does. People who rarely speak to me have offered hugs.

Is it stressful? Yes, but maybe not in the way you might think... it has been stressful, and unpredictable, and uncertain for a long, long, long time. Sometimes it has felt like the stress would eat us alive - but that is how we have learned to engage life for the past 15 years or so. Just to take things as they come. Trust God. Know that whatever happens, it will be ok because for most of that time there was no way to know what would happen in the next hour or week or month. Its really like that for all of us but it was just a little more apparent to us. So we will continue on as we have. When you get mad, be mad, and then move on. When sadness hits, feel it, and then get up and carry on. And never, ever stop laughing. We are all going to be just fine.