Ouch!

Sunday was Trap shooting practice again.  I had my new modified choke installed and wore less bulky clothing without collars, per the instructors suggestions.  I did lousy.  I still had fun but the gun really beat me up.  I didn’t think that would happen since the last time it didn’t bother me at all.  But last time I was wearing a long sleeve shirt, a fleece vest, and my raingear.  Hmmmm.  No padding this time.  I did okay for awhile and then it really started to hurt so I told them I had to stop.

When we got home I told my husband I was going to make some kind of pad for my shoulder for next time.  Then the next day at work my Boss told me they make gun shirts and shoulder pads.  Geeez! That would have been so helpful on Sunday.  So, I am not shooting again until my bruises are better and the bone stops hurting :)  Hopefully tomorrow I can get in to town to find a pad for my shoulder.  I found some online, but would rather see and feel one in person.

The instructor let me shoot his 12 gauge a couple of times and it didn’t hurt at all.  It was awfully heavy for me, but it had a wonderful spring-loaded pad on the end that took the brunt of the recoil.  It was great.  But, like I said it was really, really heavy.  I think it is time to start lifting weights to strengthen my arms if I can.  I love my little 20 gauge, but that big gun was sweeeeeeeet!!!

I have been a bit under the weather this week but I have tried to get around to all of your blogs. Even if I don’t leave a comment, I’m still stopping by.  It is frustrating sometimes because I really want to say something but can’t because I’m at work.  I often read blogs on my lunch hour but don’t feel comfortable signing in to Blogger on my work computer. 

My life is consumed right now by food – or the lack of.  Seriously, it is a mental thing mostly.  I can eat almost everything I usually eat.  The biggest problem so far is salad dressing.  I found a couple of gluten free, soy free recipes, but have been way too tired to try to make them.  Maybe this weekend I will have a bit of energy.  We are going to a potluck BBQ tomorrow evening and I am supposed to bring a salad.  I am taking watermelon instead.  Most people love it and it is something I can eat.  A burger patty and some melon and I’m good to go!   I am so NOT looking forward to it.  Guess I have to get used to it so I might as well get started. :)

Thanks for stopping by.  I hear my pj’s calling.

Blessings,

Red

Thank You

 

Thank you for your comments, suggestions and concern.  I am pretty shell shocked.  For awhile now I have been eating a whole foods diet so there are not a lot of “goodies” I need to do without.  There is a wealth of information on the internet, but it is going to take some time to learn it.  I saw Doctor #2 today and she drew blood for a number of tests.  I was amazed to learn the she is also gluten intolerant (just like Doctor #1 from yesterday) and so is her Mom.  She gave me great advice and pointed me to some helpful stores in the area.  One store even gives classes on living Gluten Free. She also told me she felt exactly the same way at first.  And she was afraid to eat anything for fear it might be the wrong thing.  Now she’s an expert – it does get easier as you learn.  Just like anything else. The soy part is going to be the hardest.  Thank God for the internet.  I have already found some recipes I will need to make mayo or salad dressing, etc. 

I am trying to keep a positive attitude.   I have felt so poorly for so long.  If this really makes me feel better – well, that’s exciting and is worth whatever it takes.  And of course losing weight is a big bonus :)  I’ll believe that when I see it!

And, on a brighter note, Trap Shooting is on Sunday afternoon!!!  Woohoo!  I can’t wait.  I ordered a modified choke for my shotgun but it hasn’t come in yet.  Darn.  But truly, full choke or modified, I don’t care.  I just want to shoot my shotgun at those flying targets! :)

 

Blessings,

Red

Motivation

 

For Christmas my husband installed canned lighting in our kitchen.  There were holes (10” square) that had to be patched and primed.  Today I finally got around to the priming. (Yes, I know, why rush into it?)  I have put it off for so long because I really didn’t want to do it.  So, I thought about how I got motivated to paint the bathroom and remembered it was the music.  I danced and sang my way through the entire process.  So today I pulled out the iPod and selected random oldies thinking it would magically transform my attitude.  Not so much…. Hmmm… It was just making me more agitated.  What was different?  How was I ever going to get this done when I kept telling myself “I can’t do this!” ?

Fortunately, after skipping through the songs to find one I really, really liked, the tempo caught me and pulled me onto the dance floor.  Up and down the ladder at least a million times and I didn’t even know it.  I spent the day in another world, another lifetime, in a place I rarely visit. I am emotionally exhausted now, but the priming and taping and cleaning is done.  Next comes the painting.  A necessary evil, but do I have it in me to travel that far back again so soon?  I don’t know, but I seriously doubt it.

Tonight when Tim gets home we are heading for the Trap Shooting Club.  I can hardly wait!  The wind is howling and it’s raining sideways.  No worries, we’re going anyway.

UPDATE:  What a BLAST!!!!  We went to the range and there were only three guys there.  One of them was just leaving.  Everyone had given up because of the rain. BUT it stopped raining when we got there so we each had a private instructor and the range to ourselves.  I hit the first one out of the gate and figured it would be the last one too.  But my instructor was so helpful, by the time I was done I had shot 26 shells and hit 13 targets!  Woo hoo!  I’m still grinning ear to ear.  And as far as painting tomorrow,  I’m relaxed and ready :)

Blessings,

Red

Yesterday Was a Day of Firsts

Yesterday, for the first time. . . . .

 I went to a gun store.

I bought my first shotgun ( used, 20 ga. Mossberg)

I bought my first soft sided gun case.

I bought my own ammo.

I know, I know.  It's about damn time.  My friends and family are thrilled.

It's a start.

Today I signed up for a pistol class "for ladies".  The classes are full until Feb. 2012.  I may find something sooner at another location.  Tim and I also want  to take the concealed carry class that is offered in the city.  Next weekend I will have my first real shooting experience/lesson with my new shotgun.  I'll let you know how it turns out.



Thanks for stopping by!

Red


Note: Edited for spelling correction & re-posted.