Reflections On My 2011 Goals

Normally, one would reflect on their goals for the past year right around New Years. I'm just a week late. Life goes on!

1. Attend the NRA Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh. I really enjoyed the show in Charlotte. The difference will be that this time I'll attend as a blogger.

I can say that I not only did this but I had a great time doing it. I met many of the other bloggers whom I had read over the year for the first time. I got to attend get-togethers put on by the NRA-ILA and the Second Amendment Foundation plus Breda's Gunny After-Prom Party, Iain's Tilted Kilt bash, and SayUncle's impromptu cocktail party. It was a 9 hour drive each way but darn well worth it.

2. Take a training class. Last year I got my North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit and it is time to get some more advanced training. There are lots of options available within a day's drive so I don't have much of an excuse for not doing it.

I was lucky enough to have been invited to the LuckyGunner Memorial Day Blogger Shoot which allowed me to get a good half day of training with Tom Givens of Rangemaster. This was an appetizer for more training which I followed up in October with a full day at TigerSwan. Two differing approaches but both were valuable.

3. Shoot more often. This goes along with number two above. I've got the ammo and now is the time to use it!

I don't think I was as successful in meeting this goal as I would have liked. Taking time to go to the range can be a problem sometimes which reemphasizes the need to do daily dry fire training. While it doesn't substitute for actual live-fire training, it is essential to build speed and refine technique.

4. Buy a 1911. I can't think of a better way to commemorate the centennial of John Moses Browning's masterpiece than to do this. While I have a Argentine Ballester Molina or, as my late friend Milo called it, a ballerina molester, it isn't a 1911. I don't know which one (or two or three) that I want to buy yet but am open to suggestions.

While I had a Springfield Range Officer on order which I cancelled for taking too long and still hope to obtain a Ruger SR1911, I stumbled across a Colt Wiley Clapp LW Commander at a local dealer. He gave me a good deal and I went home with not only a 1911 but a Colt. Enough said on meeting that goal!

5. Drink more whiskey. Obviously I won't be doing this at the same time as numbers two and three above but life is too short to not to enjoy a good bourbon now and again. The Wall Street Journal ran a list of "cultural resolutions" from some well-known people on Friday and this was on fashion designer Nanette Lepore's list. It makes sense to me.

When my internist said that one of the ways to improve my HDL cholesterol was to drink more alcohol (but of course in moderation), I knew I had a good doctor! And I have tried to follow doctor's orders. It hasn't always been good whiskey as I have also discovered rum and Tiki drinks. The Complementary Spouse and I have enjoyed going through Beachbum Berry Remixed cocktail book and picking out cocktails to try.

6. Keep blogging. I only started this blog in May 2010 and have been astounded by its growth. It has been exciting and rewarding on a personal level. My promise to you is I will try to keep finding and publishing important information as well as some things which just tickle my fancy.

As to whether I accomplished this, I leave it up to you the reader to decide if I succeeded. I have enjoyed this and definitely plan on continuing this blog for as long as I have readers.