THE PRETTY PISTOLERA

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm

Catching up on my Google Reader tonight I ran across a political test over at Breda's and at Gun Nuts. I didn't think I needed a test to tell me what I am.  Especially since I do a pretty good job of articulating my ideology... but, I just had to know what the test would spit out.

I'm shocked that my economic conservative score is not higher, like, at 100%. 

You are a Social Liberal (65% permissive) and an... Economic Conservative (90% permissive) You are best described as a: Capitalist Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid

Home Again...

Although it was a quick trip to New York this week, it always feels good to come home.  And I came home to 55 degree weather.  Woo hoo, the outdoor shooting season is around the corner! This weekend March rolls in, which I am totally stoked.  March means spring and thaw here on Planet Tracy.  It is a state of mind where I come out of my winter hibernation.  It is time to transition the closet, shop for new sandals and dresses, and plan summer field trips.  It's time to get down to "bidness" and take off the winter pounds that are easily hidden under layers and sweaters.  Spring is coming!

In my excitement and zeal I just checked the weather forecast... snow showers on Saturday.

I hate Punxsutawney Phil. 

The Big Apple (Again)

I am off to NYC again for a couple of days.  I fly out Monday morning and home Tuesday night.  I love that it is a quick trip, but I hate that I am missing IDPA practice again.  Especially since I have regressed so much.  Argh!

Not Pretty...

John and I had the loveliest dinner last night.  It was at a local farm to table restaurant. I had yummy flat bread with mushrooms, olives and goat chesse, a yummy salad, crab cakes, and the best bread pudding ever.  John had oysters, a steak, and also the best bread pudding ever. I forgot to mention the Amish blue cheese mashed potatoes.  Yum.  And, a couple of lemon drop martinis for me.

Well, we thought it was a fab dinner until John became violently ill at 4:00 AM. 

Very, very violently ill.

I felt so bad for him, but got the full-on giggles when he said:

"What else do I have left in me to throw up?  I think I just puked an MRE from Desert Storm."

I blame the oysters.  He blames the steak.

CCW Permits in High Demand

There are some jobs being created in this economy. 

Info-tainment

I admit I get the occasional rant in my pants.  This guy has major rants in his pants.  I really like him.

Inaugural Shots

Here is the video of the AR's inaugural shots.  I was desperate to have some trigger time on Tuesday night after IDPA.  I have to say a big thank you and shout-out to John and the Hi-Tech Ammo team for getting the ammo together at the last minute.  Hi-Tech got John the components quickly.  John was reloading as he was headed out the door to meet me at the range.  Thanks, guys!

Firing the AR was quite fun.  However, I would be remiss if I didn't gripe and moan a little.

1. It was colder than crap at the range.  I could see my breath.  My fingers were numb.  The gloves didn't help.  (But, the gloves were super cute.  Notice the fur trim?).  
   
2. John, honey, you must stop yelling "Go!" every time I pick up a firearm.  Every video on the Pretty Pistolera You-Tube Channel is littered with "go" commands.  Where does that habit come from?  I will ask your mom, she'll know.  (Hey Loretta, where does this "go" thingy come from?  Did he do this as a child?  You think he picked up the habit in the Marines? Or does it simply stem from his utter impatience with the world?  Maybe the latter?  Please let me know.  Thanks.)
3. We didn't have a lot of time after IDPA.  I only shot one magazine.  I wish had shot 50 magazines with the way I felt afterward.  Om.

Gunny Math

I've had a rough couple of weeks at work, so shooting last night was a much needed distraction.  John always tells me that inhaling cordite relieves stress.  I agree shooting is a great outlet, but I normally pound a treadmill several times a week to help manage my stress (and to stay in shape).

Last night at the indoor range John and I managed to steal a few minutes to try out the new AR.  I am very excited about my new mathematical epiphany regarding stress management:

One AR 30 round clip = 45 minutes of treadmill running

I was officially stress-free last night.  No sweating necessary.

It Feels Like the First Time

Caution:  Regression in Progress.

I shot IDPA tonight for the first time in almost two months.  When I took up shooting (and actually practiced), I never got "good" at it.  I just got "better."  Well, after a short shooting hiatus, I suck again.  Big time. 

And, I committed to go to a major match in March. 

March is officially 11 days away.

Ugh.

PS - give yourself extra points if you caught the cheezy hair band reference.  (Foreigner still rocks). 

Let's Keep Our Fingers Crossed...

... And say a little prayer... And light a candle...

Sounds like the IL legislature is finally having a moment of good sense.  

Thanks WSIL for the professional, unbiased coverage.  John did a bit of live blogging on WSIL.com after the story ran.  It was a lively, informative discussion on concealed carry laws, permits, and gun rights.  I was following along and got the giggles when I saw a comment from a live blogger named Joe:

"What good is an empty firearm, you going to throw it at them?"

Good point, Joe.