Sligo Festival

Me and the family just got back from the Sligo Festival in Sligo, Missouri.  It was a nice time and it was good to see that it is growing in popularity more and more each year.  It was packed with a line out the door.  We were literally waiting for people to get up so we could get in and have a seat.  It was amazing Corn Beef and Cabbage and Reuben Sandwiches.  It was my Wife's first time to go and she loved it.  So I have a feeling we won't be missing any future years to come.  We then went to the Sligo Cemetery and attempted to find a relative from the 1900's, we failed so we will have to ask a family member more familiar with the cemetery.

Open Carry In Missouri

I am starting to see more people openly carry their firearms in the surrounding area.  Guess what, people are not scared and few seem to notice that they have firearms on.  I am glad to see that people are not making an issue where there should be no issue.  I went into a local gun shop this past Friday and I was happy to see a couple buying firearms together.  They were also looking for training.  The gun shop worker was working hard on trying to find a suitable pistol for them.  He did not appear set on selling top dollar firearms as well.  He told them I will not sell you something you do not need.  That is something that you rarely hear in this day and age.  He really appeared to be staying within their set price ranges and was even showing them some that were below the price they were willing to pay.  It is refreshing to see law abiding, responsible citizens taking measures to protect themselves and their families.

The Search For A New Carry Pistol

I have fallen in love with the 1911 over the last few years.  In particular the full size government model.  To me there is just something about how the gun handles and shoots.  I feel I am so much more accurate with the firearm and it just feels like a part of me, an extension of my body.  So I have decided to find a 1911 meets a few of my requirements.  I am wanting a rail, stainless steel construction for frame and slide, match grade barrel, military guide rod, cocking shoulder, night sights, G10 Grips, magazine well, lowered and flared ejection port, and NO MIM PARTS!

So with a criteria like this I am almost going to have to go custom or buy a pistol for a decent price and have some pistol smith work done.  I have been looking at Wilson Combat and would love to have one of these finely crafted pieces of utilitarian art!  I however am lacking funds for such a deep investment.  I do not have the luck of having investors or people willing to provide products for me to test.  So I have to save some cash and then when I have enough pony it up!  So till then stay tuned.

The search is ongoing and I have faith that I will find the perfect 1911 that will meet my needs.  

Trying to Build Web Traffic

I always have so many ideas and plans on how to generate more traffic to my blog.  I am always thinking of unique blog posts or information I feel that would help others.  In the end if I do not have a solid reader base I have basically a blog full of info that reaches no one.  I have been told that good things come to those who wait.  I do believe that because when I started this blog after several months of posting I did have descent traffic but I ended up stopping my posting and I lost most of my reader base.  So there is something to be said about a constant flow of content to your blog, it does really make readers keep coming back.  I try to tag appropriate labels and make my post titles catchy.  I personally do not totally understand SEO.  I have read many articles about it but in the end, it is a mythical beast to me.  So maybe I need to work on adding SEO to my content more and in my titles.  I am not sure at this moment.   I have been attempting to drive traffic to my blog with twitter but I am not sure if that is working as of yet.  

I have been working on a series of Health/Medical related posts.  I have started one series so far.  I work very hard with my clients to develop a very holistic approach to their health.  I see so many people living unhealthy lives or some part of their life is very healthy.  I really want to bring awareness and give people useful tools to help themselves in their day to day life.  

I am very passionate about health and well being.  I world love for this blog to go on to providing life changing information that is easily accessible.   

The Balancing Act

Have you ever watched a Tight Rope Walker? Have you ever wondered how they walk on such a thin wire so far above the earth and not fall? Is it that they have nerves like steel that keeps them from faltering and falling to their ultimate demise on an unforgiving ground below? Could it be that they have a gift of superhuman balance that they discovered early on in their life? Could it be that they have some sadistic need for adrenaline and risking their life gives them their “fix”. Sure, I guess you could make an argument for any of the mentioned or a myriad of other possible plausible reasons as to why someone would take such a risk.

I want you to think about this for a second and take a look at your life. Do you see any parallels in your life as compared to the person high above the crowd walking on the thin wire? Do you have balance or are you ever so close at any second to falling off of your “wire” and into impending disaster? Do you find yourself feeling like your walking a thin line and always wavering unsteadily back and forth. Do you find it hard to keep your footing? So what similarities or differences do you see now?

You may argue that this is too far of a stretch to compare you, the reader to someone who goes out on a wire each day for a living. However, you go out each day into a world that is uncertain, full of risks, life decisions you make may have a ripple effect on your life, family, and friends for years to come. Life is a constant act of balancing. If you fail to balance your life, and depending on how badly you unbalance your life, will depend on how much turmoil and struggle you will have in your life.

So do you think that maybe the Tight Rope Walker has a more balanced life than you? Do you feel that you have your life in order and balanced enough? I am not sure but self reflection can go a long way in identifying if you need more balance in your life.

I plan on doing a series of articles about this in up and coming posts so come back often and read. This is a very broad topic and has so many facets that need to be analyzed and looked at to do the subject justice. This is something that is important to me and I am very passionate about because I believe that so many people are unbalanced and not healthy in their day to day life. I teach this on a regular basis to my patients and I advocate this on regular basis to all of my patients.

Lazy Sunday

It was a lazy Sunday after church this morning.  Me and my wife had a nice lunch with my parents and then we went on to take a nice walk at a local park.  The park has a Frisbee Golf Course.  I was shocked to see people playing even though we had 24 MPH wind today.  We walked across part of the course and we could see a Frisbee be thrown and only see it to fly straight up into the sky and fall just 10 feet in front of it's original launch point.  Yet I have to commend that players because despite the short comings of them being able to play they appeared to be having fun still.  We walked the bicycle trail and then went to the bird watching area.  While we were there we were able to see a Woodpecker.  I am not sure of the type since bird watching is not my forte.  Now we are just sitting here waiting for the next episode of The Walking Dead!  Can't wait to see what we are in store for tonight!

 

Millstream Gardens

So today me and the wife went to Millstream Gardens Conservation Area.  It is nestled in a rural part of Ironton, MO.  It is a swift 2.5 mile hike to the "Cat's Paw" which overlooks the Tieman Shut-in which is located on a portion of the St. Francois River.  This section of the river provides the only location in Missouri where you can get a taste of white water kayaking.  If you take this route you will travel down through an old damn which was once used to power the Silver Mines.  It was a gorgeous hike and one that I would recommend.  You can spend a good part of your day exploring and crawling around the rocks which have been smoothed by the river over time.  

Overlook that allows you to view the Tieman Shut-in.

The St. Francois River.   

Tieman Shut-in is located a little over to the left from this location.

St. Francois River.

Weathered Rocks.  

 

Attempting To Keep Up With Posting

So, I have not really kept up with posting like I would like to have.  It always seems like something comes up in my life that keeps me from being able to keep up with a routine of keep regular content flowing to my blog.  It is sad because I was actually starting to get some regular readers.  Sad thing most of those readers are gone now as it stands.  Life has slowed down a little right now.  I am not working 14 to 16 hour days anymore trying to make money.  I do not think I ever posted about that.  I was literally working 6 days a week and putting in 14 to 16 hours per day trying to make money.  I only had Sunday off.  They even asked me to work Sunday.  So when you read my posts about balance in your life I know a little about it from experience.

I am going to be more diligent with my posting.  I am going to commit to trying to post at least one time per week.  I would love to post more often but I am not going to count my chickens before they are hatched.

As always I look forward to comments!

Wadoni

Old Memories

Today I went to my childhood home.  Well at least from the time I was five till I was half way into my seven grade year.  It was nice to see it, and it was a sad experience to see how much it has changed.  I remember the years I was there how hard my parents worked to make it is a beautiful and welcoming place.  The roads were in poor condition and the old walk bridge over the creek was twisted and buckled in several locations.  The lake no longer was kept and clear around the perimeter.  The homes that were there were looking old and neglected.  The old wooden barn that I had spent so much time with my father was laying in a heap of twisted and rotting timbers.  The older stone house had lost it's roof but the stone silo stood in pride, surrounded by new trees and vines trying to hide it's presence to the world.  How I miss the animals, the long walks in the woods, and sitting in a boat lazily floating with my pole in the waters waiting for a fish to bite.  It was nice to take a stroll down memory lane and show my wife where I grew up and the place I so loved.    

Missouri Is Trying to Pass a Lifetime Concealed Carry Permit

I just heard on the news that Missouri is trying to pass a lifetime concealed carry permit. I am pretty excited about this because I have always felt that once you pass the requirements you should not have to keep renewing your permit. I welcomed the change from three years to five years for renewal. I feel that this is the next logical step. I think what has impacted this is finally some fear and stigma of people carrying firearms around is starting to diminish. This is just my opinion and I am sure that some people will be more than willing to point out flaws in my logic. I feel this way though because I have noticed that where there used to be signs stating no concealed weapons allowed have disappeared. I also think as the times have changed and what is unfortunately happening in our great country that it is becoming more and more apparent that law abiding citizens need to have a means to defend themselves always. We as citizens in the United States no longer can automatically assume we are safe no matter where we are at. So I personally believe that this is playing a role in it as well. I would like to see a law passed like Texas where we can open carry no matter where we are at. I would most likely still conceal my firearm but I am not opposed to going places and seeing everyone wearing a firearm.

As I hear more I will post it.

To Become a Millionaire....

So I know we all have these lofty ideals....who does not, right? I know I did....note I said did. When I was in high school that was all I thought about. I was going to have an amazing home with everything that a teenage boy's heart could dream of at the time. I had envisioned I would have this home by the time I was 25....did I mention a garage full of high end cars both new and classics. With a small handful of motorcycles for good measure. Yes, you can say the least I was a dreamer and the fact of the matter I still have dreams but I am more of a realist now. Would I like to be a millionaire still....sure, I think you would find very few people that would say no to that. I however have learned that the path to happiness is not in what you own...it is your mindset.

I have met several people in my life that had large amounts of money. I am not sure if they were at millionaire status but they lived very comfortably and had many a nice thing. However, I noticed a trait that most of them had. They were not happy and for the most part miserable. It appeared that no matter how successful, how nice of things they owned, or how prestigious they became they still had a nagging emptiness inside of themselves. We can speculate all sorts of reasons why they would have this. Some could say they felt lonely because most people only wanted to be friends with them for what they had or could give. It could be chalked up to the old saying that goes something like “money doesn't buy happiness”. I personally feel in the end they were not healthy in their life. No, I do not mean physical health but in emotional and mental health. Sure, they may have physical ailments but I believe these ailments they had manifested themselves from mental and emotional distress over a period of time.

I am sure you wondering what led me to this conclusion, well simply put just sitting down and talking to them over a period of time has led me to believe this. In my life I have the fortunate pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life. From the homeless to people who live rather comfortably to unverified millionaire status. I can say that the people who had the least, but were not struggling to put food on the table often were the most healthy individuals I have met in my life. They appeared to be more stable in day to day life and often were in much better spirits and emotional health.

So is becoming a millionaire healthy? Well I think it all depends on your frame of mind. Will you allow the money to dictate who you are and let it corrupt you? Or will you count your blessings and give thanks to God and live your life as you did prior to your new found wealth? I think that is the key.

In the end I feel it is better for all of us to be rich in love and understanding of each other. Show kindness to people you do not even know. Hold a door open for someone, say hi and smile to another at the store, and practice the Golden Rule. In the end is it not better to be happy and emotionally healthy? I will chose happiness and emotional healthy every time. Also you just might notice things go better for you in your life when you realize this.

Maze Runner the Scorch Trials

So went to see this last night.  I was a little disappointed.  I have not read the books so I am not able to speak to that.  The movie had a few predictable twists.  Some jump scares that did make the audiance startle.  It however to me had a whole Walking Dead theme going on as well.  I will say I was intrigued to know more about the world and what happened.  So yes I will see subsequent movies just to see what happens.  I will most likely eventually read the books. 

Why I love my P2000 SK

I purchased my P2000 SK for one purpose, self defense.  At the time prior to that I was carrying my Springfield XD.  I was having difficulty carrying my Springfield in summer.  I did not want to wear a cover shirt like I have seen so many other people do.  To me it "flagged" me for carrying a concealed firearm.  I decided I needed something that I could carry that was slimmer than my XD but still had a reasonable size.  I personally like to have a full hand grip on a firearm.  I know some people do not mind if their pinky finger is hanging off the grip.  I wanted something that was going to be reliable and of solid build quality.  I also wanted to stay with my 40 S&W cartridge.  I have always been a fan of the cartridge.  It does have a snappy recoil, but when I have looked at videos of me firing my pistol, it is not as pronounced as I have perceived it to be while in the moment of shooting.  I had found myself falling into one of the cardinal sins of concealed carry.  I had stopped carrying my Springfield XD just because I got tired of trying to find a way to conceal it.  So on the hot days if I was not carrying my camera bag I did not have my firearm.  I initially started carrying concealed because I had received a death threat stemming from work I perform.  I went out bought my XD and enrolled in concealed carry class.  As the seasons changed I soon discovered the above issue about concealing my firearm.  After many trips to gun stores and searches on the Internet I decided on my H&K.  I have been very happy with it ever since.  Here are my criteria I was looking to meet.

1.  Needed a minimum of 8 rounds. 

2. Needed to fit all my fingers on the grip. 

3. Needed to be reliable. 

4. Needed to a have a very durable finish.  

5. Easy maintenance.

6. Easy to shoot.      

7. Solid build quality.

8. Needed to have a solid review history.  

9. Easy to operate.  

10. Must be accurate.  

The numbers above were in no order of importance.  It was just in short what I was looking for in a firearm.  The P2000 SK met and exceeded many of those requirements above.  I will admit I was frustrated with a few things when I first started shooting the firearm.  I was aware of one being the L.E.M. trigger mine came with.  I had read that many users struggled with this trigger system in the beginning.  I can say I struggled with the trigger for about 500 rounds.  It was not until I got used to the trigger that my accuracy improved.  My P2000 SK does not have a traditional decocker arrangement that many H&Ks have.  Mine has basically a very long trigger pull, then it meets final resistance till the hammer falls.  It is almost like it has two stages.  The long slack pull and then the final part till it fires.  I had to buy snap caps and practice dry fire drills to finally truly adjust to the trigger and learn how I was pulling my shots of center.  I kept shooting low 7 O'Clock on target with the P2000 SK because of my trigger pull.  Now that I understand the trigger pull I can shoot very well.  I can stack shots on paper now with the P2000 SK.  I am very happy with the trigger now.

I struggled with the magazine catch at times.  I have read some people changed theirs to a different style.  I have kept mine the same.  I just have to squeeze the magazine release with my pointer and thumb.  I understand why H&K designed it this way.  It was set up to minimize the risk of accidental magazine release.  It works well for that for I have never accidentally dropped my magazine.  

The P2000 SK holds 9+1, is very easy to clean, very easy to disassemble, easy to shoot, has never jammed one time since I have owned it, solid reviews, and is definitely much more accurate than me.  I also think with the dual recoil spring and buffer system it may be softer shooting than my Springfield even though is is smaller in size.   

I am still working on monitoring the finish wear of my P2000 SK.  It truly has shown very minimal wear.  I will post pictures in the next few weeks on this.  So stay tuned.  

Here is a photo of the P2000 SK broke down.  Very easy and quick to clean.  I have zero issues with rust either on the lettering and engraving.  I have read that some individuals have had issues with that.  I have also not changed my trigger pull because I have read that some people have had functioning issues after they have attempted to lighten their L.E.M. trigger pull.  It should also be noted that H&K make some of the best magazines.  The quality of the magazines this pistol has is amazing to me.  The only issue, they come with of hefty price.  

 I am currently using Hornady Critical Defense ammunition.  It is expensive but well worth the price if your life should ever count on it.  

I was previously carrying Winchester Silvertip ammunition.  This ammo was highly recommended by my instructor.  He showed me during class the tests they had conducted and it out performed Golden Saber and Hydra Shok.  For the performance to price it is a good alternative, plus you get fifty rounds compared to 20.  

The Mystique of the 1911

I used to scoff and hate a 1911.  I blindly threw disdain and hate towards that antiquated piece of outdated firearms technology.  I would hold my new age polymer framed firearms with their fancy high capacity magazines and sneer as my friend would shoot his 1911.  I would snicker as he missed the target he was shooting at.  I remember shooting his gun and thought, this gun is heavy, the trigger is like pulling a trampoline spring.  I do not know how to describe the feeling of firing his gun.  I remember shooting my Springfield XD versus his gun.  The Springfield was a dream to shoot.  I remember when he shot my firearm and he was hitting the target each time.  I remember seeing the smile on his face.  His response just fortified my mind that the 1911 should be relegated to a time long since passed.  I however did not look at the fact that his firearm was a very cheaply made version of the 1911 from some foreign company.  It very easily rusted and I remember I was asked to refinish the firearm for him.  I remember taking it apart and seeing the very roughly fitted pieces and noticed that the trigger actually was completely broke in half on one side.  It was actually a wonder this firearm still shot and functioned.  It was several years later that I shot a Colt 1911.  It was an old target model probably from the 70's.  When I shot this gun I was in awe.  The firearm had a totally different feel.  It had no slide slop.  It made a sound of utter music to my ears as I cocked it.  The trigger pull was crisp and predictable and I was shooting amazing groups.  I was shocked at how "right" this firearm felt in my hand.  It ran smooth, recoil was smooth as butter, and I could hit the target consistently shot after shot.  I did not want to stop shooting this gun!  I am a convert.  I love the 1911 so much I bought my own finally.  I am now the proud owner of a Kimber Grand Raptor II.  This firearm is a master piece of function and beauty in my eye.  I almost hate to shoot this gorgeous firearm but it is such a shooting pleasure.  I can  hit targets consistently at 50 yards with no problem.  So I am a convert, I love 1911's now.  I am happy to see so many offerings out there for them by other companies and I will be happy to add many more one day to a collection I hope to have.  Will a 1911 replace my daily carry gun?  I am very fond still of my H&K.  I can stack shots with it at 25 yards on good days.  Most of the time I struggle to do that.  However with the Kimber I can pull out out of box and always have a good day with it no matter the distance.  I am not sure but to me there is a mystique about a 1911.  I understand that now.  If you have not shot a true quality 1911 do not judge it by that cheap imitation till you have shot a quality one.

NEVER FORGET

May we all say a prayer for our country and the families that lost loved ones on that tragic day in our country's history.  We must NEVER FORGET that day.

I have been away for awhile

So lots of new happenings in my life.  I was working 6 days a week about 12 to 14 hours per day.  It was a struggle with balancing my life and work.  I managed to get a new job and I will now have more time on my hands!  So that means I will be able to start updating my blog more now.  So stay tuned I plan on posting more often now.  At least once per week.

I Have Not Been Active

I am sorry my readers.  I have been more active on Twitter than I have been on my own blog!  I have been working so much at work I have not had time to work on some articles.  I have been busy juggling personal life, work, blog material, work, work, work, work....all work and no play make Wadoni a dull boy....LOL!

Our Future is Not Looking Bright

I read a lot and try to keep up with trends and what is happening in the United States.  I fear I see our future generation loosing it's way.  I had a short conversation with my nephew who is in college at the moment.  He feels that for the greater good it is fine for citizens to lose freedoms.  He stated that we fight the government and that is why tragedies keep befalling our country.  He stated that we impede the government in it's quest to better defend us.  I questioned where he received these ideals.  I know his father does not share these sentiments.  My nephew stated that he was taught  this in college by multiple of his professors.  My nephew stated that they presented sound logic and it made sense.  No matter how hard I tried to convince my nephew that was not what our country was founded on.  My nephew told me I was a conspiracy theorist and I was very paranoid.  I was shocked he felt this way.  I know myself when I was going through college I too was presented with such information.  I however did not "drink the Kool Aide."  We need to seriously worry about our future generations for I feel they are being "Brainwashed" and in time our government will be able to pass actions on our nation that restrict our freedoms and the general population of our nation will think it is OK.  

The Key to Concealed Carry

The number one thing with concealed and carry to remember is always carry as often as you legally can.  I know several people who carry "only when they will need it."  This mindset is self defeating and leaves you vulnerable.  Who can predict what will happen to them day to day?  I know I can't and if I could I would be a millionaire right now!

What are some things that keep people from carrying day to day:

Inconvenience

They may go to several locations or work at a place that does not allow a firearm to be brought in.  So instead of taking the extra few seconds to make the gun safe and stored in their automobile they leave it at home.

Carrying is Uncomfortable

Well to me a gun is not always very "comfortable" to carry but it is comforting knowing I have it with me.  To me this is a mute point.  If you get a style of carry your comfortable with and a good belt and holster rig you will be set.  I personally use an IWB holster and love it.

Seasonal/Geographical Issues

I know weird subject header.  I could not think of anything else to call this section.

Depending on where you live you may have to dress differently.  It also may mean you sweat more and this will mean extra care will need to be provided to your firearm.  With hotter climates it will be harder to conceal a large frame firearm because of you having to dress appropriately for the weather.  I know I have personally struggled with carrying my firearm concealed in the summer with OWB holster.  If I used my Fobus paddle holster it was even harder to conceal.  Since I purchased my IWB holster it has become much easier to conceal my firearm in just a T-Shirt.  In the winter I have no issues since I wear three quarter length jacket most of winter.  I however have found myself using my IWB holster most of the time now.

I worry about the finish on my firearm

Well if you want a "Safe Queen" firearm you will never carry it with that mind set.  Your carry firearm is a tool.  You need to come to terms that if you carry a firearm everyday it is going to get wear on it.  No matter what finish you choose there will eventually be some wear.  Do yourself a favor get a gun that you will not get too sentimental over.  Do not carry your dad's gun or a firearm handed down over the generations.  Get a firearm that is reliable and durable.  Get a gun that feels good in your hand and you can shoot well.  If you have trouble with the recoil of the firearm get one that you can manage the recoil.  You may have to consider going to a smaller caliber.  I will cover that a later date.

This post has got too long already and I could write for much longer.  I am going to make this several posts over the next few weeks.

On ending get yourself a firearm that you feel comfortable with, come to terms that it will get wear on it, practice often, carry often, get a belt and holster rig that works for you, and dress to suit your style of carry.

Check back often and follow me on  Twitter for all my current information!

Is Money the Only Way to True Happiness?

In this time here in the United States it is harder and harder to live the American Dream.  It feels like the rich keep getting richer and the poor well keep getting poorer.  The clients I see on a daily basis struggle daily to put food on the table as well as pay the bills.   I have often heard them say "do we pay this bill this month or that bill."  Some are taking out loans just to keep alive during these times.  I know many of them struggle with working multiple jobs just to keep the money flowing in.  Some do not even have insurance.  I thought the Affordable Healthcare Act was supposed to resolve that issue.  I have spoken to them about this resource and I have been told by several that they still cannot afford the payments for insurance.  Many of my clients are more than willing to take the penalty instead of paying for the insurance.  So what did the Affordable Healthcare Act do?  How is it possible there are still people without insurance because it is still out of their reach? 

One of the top five things my clients say that will make them happier is if they had more financial stability.  They worry constantly they will not have a job or may lose one.  The constant financial burden they say is draining on them.  I know some of these financial woes are their own making.  If not most of them are.  I know many of my clients are very impulsive with their spending and their "needs."  If they would better manage their finances they would have a much better situation however many of them had a life event that placed them in a rut.  With how things are right now it is harder than ever for them to fill that rut back in.  With financial institutions sending out so much junk mail offering loan consolidation and the promise of low payments it is even easier to get buried with more debt.  

So as the saying used to go, "Being in debt is the American way."  Well maybe we as a country need to rethink that.  Especially the federal Government.  

Money does not buy happiness but not having money sure makes you unhappy!  So word to the wise be smart with your money, make a sound budget, stay away from credit cards, set up a savings, and live well within your means.  

I will be writing more on this subject so stay tuned for more information.