THE PRETTY PISTOLERA

I Heart Ollie

Can you tell I am way. way, way behind?  Just now getting around to uploading all of the NRA Convention pics.  Sorry for the delay, but, oh my goodness, don't we clean up nice?

The highlight of the NRA Convention was the banquet honoring Lt. Col. Oliver North and John Stossel.  John is a huge Ollie fan, so he was tickled to go.  I got to buy a new dress and get dolled up, so I was happy. 

To be honest, I never paid that much attention to Lt. Col. North.  I slightly remember the Iran-Contra hearings as a kid, but I was more into Family Ties and The Facts of Life at the time.  (You were my first crush, Alex P. Keaton!).  As an adult, I'd watch him on Hannity and Colmes and agree with him, but no real feelings one way or the other. 

I am here to tell you... I heart Lt. Col North.  Holy cow!  His speech was inspiring and spot-on.

For those of you that were there, I am sure you had a great time.  If you missed it, sorry, it's not on YouTube.  Already looked.  If anyone finds it, let me know I would love to share it.

Investments

I just added a Ruger 10/22 rifle to my gun collection. (Big ah-ha moment... I have a gun collection!  Squeee!)  John is very passionate that every gun collection needs a 10/22.  I had no idea this rule existed.  Regardless,  I bet my itty-bitty gun collection has a better return-on-investment than my 401K. 

Go to Your Happy Place

John and I finally got a free night to go to the range together.  It was nice.  And, considering we are both shooting in the Oklahoma State IDPA Match this weekend, I desperately needed the practice.  Just for the record, I have no business shooting in a sanctioned IDPA match this soon in the season.  I did not practice very much this winter... bottom line, I still suck.  However, I am making progress.  My grip is good, my stance is consistent, sight alignment/sight picture is becoming second nature.  All good stuff. 

Here is a portion of my report card from the range last night.  Not bad for a girl that had her bifocal contacts in and not her special shooting contacts.  (If any of you bifocals-wearers had similar focusing problems like I did in the beginning... you know it can be rough. Thankfully, I have a super-cool optometrist that was knowledgeable about shooting sports.)

Warm up target.  Notice there was no anticipation of recoil.  Hip hip hooray for progress! 

Rapid fire target.  Emptying magazines as fast as I could just for grins and giggles.  There were big grins and lots of giggles. 

Please note the following:

• Trigger time is happy time
• Splatter targets rock

You're Not My Valentine (Sorry)

My dearest Starbucks,

I love you.  I really, really do.  I have touted you as one of the happiest places on this non-warming planet.  I ask you, who leaves a coffee house unhappy?  No one can be grumpy after they get a frothy, yummy, warm and tasty caffeinated beverage in their hands.  These are the reasons I love you so. 

However, my sweet Starbucks, our relationship must come to an end.  I've found a new latte lover.  We've started seeing each other almost every morning. They advertise on my favorite talk radio station and they serve locally roasted coffee (it's really good, too).  They seem like good people and I want to do my best to support them. Starbucks, you have lots of friends visiting every morning.  Trust me, it won't take you long to forget me.

I hope you understand the reason for this break-up is me, not you.  I have simply decided to start my own economic stimulus plan.  I want the locally owned coffee house to make it through these tough times.  As long as I am able to spend $4 for a cup of coffee every morning, I am going to support the guy with the entrepreneurial spirit. 

Love,

Tracy

The (Almost) Forgotten Discovery

I keep a Mag-Lite in my car for a couple of reasons.  First, I might need a flashlight.  Second, it could be used to knock a dirtbag in the head.  I found a nifty accessory for my Mag-Lite at SHOT Show.  It's called Bust A Cap.  It's a tactical glass breaking piece that replaces the existing end cap of the Mag-Lite.  It turns the flashlight into a "break-in-case-of-emergency" device.  You never know when you might need one.

Crimson Trace Rocks!

We all know how much I love, love, love Crimson Trace Laser Grips.  The products are great, but I especially love the marketing slogan.  The laser grips for my Kel-Tec PF9 are on back order (thanks a lot, Santa).  Now they are coming out with super-nifty new laser grips for my Glock.  It has an on/off switch!  And, it will still fit in my holster. I have a hunch John will want a couple of sets, too. One for his Glock 17 and one for his 19.  Just like a typical girl, I am all about the accessories. 

Eureka!

Post SHOT Show update:  I've been home for a week.  I've purged the mail.  Finally unpacked.  And I'm just now going through all the nifty stuff I gathered, bought, or acquired at SHOT Show.  I am ashamed it took me a week to get my act together.

My first priority at SHOT Show was to find girly CCW accessories.  I did.  Hooray!  I found my weekend carry "holster."  It's a Galco Wisteria handbag.  I love the shape (I think it's Gucci inspired). And there is plenty of room for everything else I need to pack around on the weekends.  Look for pics of me sporting my fun, new bag soon. I would srike a pose now, but I am all comfy in my PJs and slippers.   

John had a great idea... practice!  He thought it would be a good idea to put my Kel-Tec in it (empty of course) and draw to make sure I am comfortable doing so.  I think here may be video to come.  The Pretty Pistolera Channel on YouTube hasn't seen anything new in a long time. 

John went to SHOT Show and came home with a list of guns, holsters, and Crimson Trace Laser Grips to buy.  I found a handbag.  I think this is the epitome of the whole "Venus vs. Mars" thing. 

Stay tuned for more SHOT Show updates this week. 

Thanks, Santa.

As promised, here is my report on the gunny loot Santa brought me.  I got a set of Crimson Laser Grips for my Kel-Tec PF9.  John bought me the Kel Tec in August and I was itching for the Crimson Laser Grips, but they weren't available at the time. Instead I got the cool t-shirt.  I was just as stoked about the shirt as I was the grips because I love the snappy slogan.  This chick wants to do her part to help bad guys make informed decisions.  Education is powerful. 

I Heart Crimson Trace

Originally uploaded by prettypistolera

Two points on this happy Friday. First, look at my new t-shirt that arrived today. I want the world to know I will do my part to help bad guys make informed decisions (as soon as the Crimson Trace Laser Sights for the Kel-Tec PF9 are available). Second, this is a technology test for Blackberry blogging with an attached photo.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Back to School

Those of you that have been reading for a while know I am a big advocate of self defense.  Bottom line, self defense is a learned skill!  If you recently joined us here at The Pretty Pistolera, please do your homework by reading my Ode to Jeanie Bueller. 

If you are a woman in the St. Louis metro area, there is a self defense class on Saturday, September 14th. The class is offered by the Missouri Competitive Shooting Academy where I took a couple of classes (and learned a ton, by the way). 

The self defense curriculum includes basic self defense and some firearms training. If you need a self defense class or happen to be curious about your self defense options, this class a good place to start.  And, it's inexpensive (only $25, lunch included). Get your girlfriends together for a "girls day" at the range!  For more information about the class visit the MCSA website or email me (link on the upper left) and I'll send you the information.   

One of the things on my "aspirational to do list" is to have a calendar of self defense classes available across the country.  If you know of an upcoming class in your area, please let me know.