All is Good

A very nice, but full Thursday! We had manageable numbers for the 9:15am class so we doubled up and circuited - very nice!!! Mike and Monica you did not report in on your absence from class? What's up with that - not acceptable.....We had 7 in the BB class - Mom you kicked butt, watch the looks you may end up with the same status as your son-in-law, "banned" and I don't care if you do drive from Canton - I the boss - you can punish me later - LOL....My 12:30pm group also got a taste of the tire, ropes, cage and bell - good thing I'm out of town next Thursday - my ears are so burning....I plan to get my butt up to get kicked by Molly at 6am - why in the world I am still up is beyond me. I planned to go to bed an hour and half ago, but apparently my keyboard is attached - ridiculous. Tomorrow I have the silly VCS girls - so fun...not sure how I plan to torture them!

Workin Girl

I kicked off the morning with Dar at 6am in my basement....We did the 20 minute snatch test - 5 on each side....Dar kicked it - I (excuse my french) sucked! She ended up going 23 minutes - 230 snatches - wow!!! I came close, but was definitely disappointed in myself. I had my crazy girls at 5:30pm - they make me laugh....hard....6:30pm was nuts - 4 brand new....broke the record at 26 - Iron everywhere...Mark was also training 3 - A Full House....I had another group at 7:45pm - they worked hard and again made me laugh.....I'm whooped!

Mom, Dad...Anyone???

I had 12 in class at 9:15am - Billy, Lorie, Mike, Monica, Ursula, Tracey, Erin, Phil, Pete and 3 newbies, MaryKay, Becky and Laura who all did great.....We were able to use the floor with lower numbers - inch worm, bear crawls, lunges, walking swings....very nice....we partnered up with renegade/push ups, straight arm sit ups and finished with Doug's swingin potato number, etc....Mike and Billy busted it out today- very nice! We had 5 in the BB class, 3 brand new....they did awesome! I received the Mother of the year Award Today as my wonderful husband and I apparently miscommunicated....I thought he was working from home for the day - not so much as he had a meeting in Columbus....he left after I did....In any event, I thought he was home to get the kids off the bus (Max at sitter) while I was in Fairlawn finishing a few errands....I even called home and talked to my oldest, Alex, who didn't mention a word (I assumed Bob was on the phone) about his dad or being home alone with his brother for that matter or even ask where I was (scary)....I about had a heart attack when I got home and put the garage door up - no Truck - no Bob???? Where's your Dad - they both shrugged their shoulder's (that's boys for ya)....they let themselves in and started their homework (earning them a trip to McDonald's playland for dinner)....I think I need to Slow Down - U think??? It's all Good....Really I got it.

Productive Monday

Kicked off the early morning with my workout (me myself and I - I really do miss taking class and having someone tell me what to do without thinking). I truly enjoy teaching, but it's sometimes hard to kick your own butt when you look around and it's just you, the bells and Mr. Gymboss....Swings, MP, Pull-ups, front squats 4x, straight arm pull-over and then Doug's 30 sec swing and 30 sec hot potato drill - That sucked. Spent the rest of the day playing catch up - returning calls, emails and paying bills....Max motored around and tortured the dogs playing keep away with their toys....I headed in to train Lisa and Kim at 5:30pm (great group) and then taught to 19 regulars and 1 newbie....Mark was training as well - PACKED to say the least....We stuck to the basic drills working on our swings, cleans, MP's, single leg deadlift, etc....then partnered up for some renegade rows with push ups, Partner See Saw presses on the floor and one arm overhead sit ups....we ended with Doug's fun drill, but I allowed for 10 sec in between for the slow pokes and cheaters.....Gary left a pond behind while Chad a chalk field - I think I got a facial while teaching it was so steamy.....Carolyn rang the bell with pride as she successfully made it through her first KB class....nice work by all!

Family Day

A very nice Sunday together! We made it to church (a lot to be thankful for) and Sam's first BBall game at the Rec....He smiled more than anything (as usual) and had a great time! Big Brother, Alex, operated the video camera while little brother Max ate snacks (what he does best).....We worked on homework and chilled.....Bob worked on his KB technique - very nice! Looking forward to another fun week! Mike awesome job with the doubles yesterday - you did great!

The Morning Grind

It's Saturday again - where did the week go....they seem to get faster and faster....18 showed for 8am.....Jean brought her sister Sharon (only newbie) who did a great job! We did single leg deadlifts, single leg military, the kosack, Heaven & Hell (halos and deck squats) ladder as well as a swing, clean, high pull/snatch ladder....we worked on cleans facing the wall and broke the turkish get up a part....Nice work to all.....Dar and Mike did the duo....Pete informed Dar he wasn't able to make it due to a commitment (didn't want me to think $10 was too high - lol)....9am started rolling in - 3 newbies (Sean, Heather and Chris), 16 total....instead of the swing, clean, high pull combo we worked on swings to the L, R, Frnt, Back....Bob busted out the beast due to Brian's mouth while Brian swung the bulldog - Awesome job by both....the bell was proudly rung! Double header soccer game tonight - we lost both, but good effort by all....I plan to sleep well tonight....

Open House

I kicked the morning off with Molly's 6am morning grind - great class as usual - my triceps are screaming! I trained the VCS Girls at 10:45am - Stacey, Colleen, Deb and Jeannie....It was Jeannie's first time - she was nervous, but did super....Stacey, Colleen and Deb I'll never forget the chicken wing arms - hilarious! I can honestly say I was nervous most of the day - praying hard at least someone would show at our first BBOM Open House - you never know.....We all arrived an hour early to finish cleaning and make sure we had everything squared away....Thank you so much Darlene for your help as well as Mary - you guys ROCK! Janice kicked things off at 7:01pm and a steady flow kept coming through until 8:40pm including my parents from Canton and their friends! We signed up over 22 people for the 12 Week Weight Loss Challenge - it was unbelievable.....there were probably a good 50 people who came through the facility - most brand new! We handed out schedules, talked about classes, training and Kettlebell.....at 9:00pm we just all looked at each other stunned - WE DID IT - WE GOT MORE THAN 1 BABY! We headed to House of Hunan with Darlene to celebrate....Dar you are absolutely the biggest sweetheart - thank you for all of your support....we're so happy you're a part of our team!!!! We Are Carrying The Torch With Pride....Looking forward to Saturday KB - who will be returning for more and who will be taking on the bell is the question.....time will tell? Mike I'm glad you're o.k. - thanks for your reply.....you are very special to all of us.

Non-Stop

16 in the 9:15am class today - one new victim! Phil and Pete (dedicated members of the boomer club) decided to step up their game and took on the 9:15am crew....the regulars were concerned at first, but soon realized these men (in their early 60's) were all business keeping up with every set using no less than 16kg - nice work gentlemen. I'm very proud of Tracy, Erin and Tonya who have successfully stepped up to the 12kg....Sherry and Ursula continue to work their 16's....I hope you're feeling better Mr. Mike - you were quiet today....I worried about you all day.....I had 5 for boomer bell with one more newbie, Val - nice work.....Tammy, Gayle and Mom were back for more as well as Stacey - all did great - very proud of you! I grabbed a quick bite to eat with Mom at Cool Beans and headed back for my afternoon M.O.M.S group - Nancy, Karyn, Haley and Pam....all did well....another successful day of KB work...I flew to the kids school to help out in their classrooms and then Marc's for food....I had two fully loaded carts (ridiculous) they called over the loud speaker "Matt can you please come to register 3 to help a lady to her car who decided to buy the store" - LOL

Hump Day

It was crazy Wednesday to say the least....I actually enjoy Wednesday's because it's usually my catch up day at home as well as day to spend with Max....I got caught up on housework and bills yaada yaada....I headed in early as I had to train my first "small group" of three....Gretchen, Hallie and Lisa - the three Amigos...they not only work together, but are good friends and two are sister in laws - a very fun group to say the least! They challenged me upon introduction to make them skinny as they'll be in Maui 4 months from now - no problem until half way through the workout they were discussing taco bell, donutland, dairy Queen and Big Macs - I may be paying them???? In all seriousness, they worked really hard and did a nice job....tomorrow is not going to be pretty- my ears are already burning! They booked again for next Monday and Wednesday - commitment....when Gretchen was done stretching she said she was too tired to drive to Taco Bell - it's a start.....The 6:30pm kbers started filing in....Gary, Ryan, Jim, Aaron (1st timer), Kevin, Greg and Lynn (you guys are the best - the drive, the dedication....can't tell you how much it means), Bob (getting close to banned status with the looks), Brian, Arlene (new), Stacey, Amy, Monica, Andrea, Diane, Mary, Dar and Barb...18 in total....We pumped out the usual mix of swings, goblet squats, windmill, good morning, renegades, clean/press/squat, etc. and then the timer....3 set of 30sec body weight squats and 30sec of swings....Monica cried out we want Doug back....I laughed, smiled and replied he can't hear you...hopefully when you read this Doug you're laughing too cuz a promise is a promise - we carrying the torch proud BABY!!!! We finished with halos, hot potato (popcorn - so dumb), pull over sit up (smart ass Bob - I called them straight arm pullover - I'm front and center your first class honey) and 50 swings....Arlene rang the bell with pride....Aaron asked his friend Kevin (who brought him) "what the hell did I do to piss you off".....Andrea also rang the bell - Nice Job to all!!!

One of THOSE days

You ever have one of those days where things just don't seem to flow? Nothing bad happens just at the end of the day you're not sure what you really did....weird....Class was very light (hopefully due to the weather and not me SCARING everyone AWAY) as we had 9 at 9:15am....It was Lisa and Toni's first class - they had the look of death, but did well with the support of everyone in class....Toni rang the bell with pride and Lisa ran (not sure if that's a bad sign)....Molly, Mike and Monica were CHATTY KATHY'S today - LOL - they must have overloaded on the Wheaties or energy juice - Monica took the blame saying she's a trouble maker - Molly laughed and Mike just shook his head!! Tonya, Andrea, Kelli and Ursula were all business....Mike fulfilled his water duties - thank you for your help - we appreciate it - KB for life for you BABY! At 10:30 Phil brought his friend Pete (amazingly strong)...they gave each other a hard time the entire class...Stacey and I laughed the whole hour....I stayed after and did a ladder of swings (since I turned the alarm off in the early a.m.) from the 28kg to the 16kg starting with 20 swings and dropping by 5's from there....TGU"S, push ups, pistols and squats....BBOM had a board meeting (LOL) at 1pm to review numbers, banking, weight loss challenge and open house....all in all a very productive meeting as everything seems to be running smooth! Finally time for a shower as I'm done with the hat head.....one of those days!!!!

Busy Monday

Kicked off the morning with Molly's Morning Grind class - it was great (not easy rolling out of bed with single digit temps but well worth it)! I got to partner with Dar (very fun as we push each other) but I almost took her jaw out with the medicine ball - threw it a little too hard - oops...and I wonder why nobody wants to partner with me? The older two boys had an indoor football clinic in Strongsville from 10am-12pm this morning while Max and I power shopped at the mall - didn't really buy anything - rare for me and I was really in the mood to spend too - bummer (hopefully Bob is not reading this one).....headed home and had lunch. Bob worked from home today (very nice) so I put the baby to bed and headed to the movies with Sam (Alex opted out and stayed home)- Alvin and The Chipmunks....It was actually very good (so was the popcorn and M&M's - it was a date so I couldn't resist...definitely paid later as I had a huge stomach ache, but it sure was good going down - oy)....I had 15 in class tonight - very nice group....It was Nicole's first and Jean's second class - both did great! Bo Bo came back and so did Alecia and Debbie - very nice.....The Squire's paid me a very nice compliment after class saying they really enjoy my classes and they believe it's going to be ok now that Doug's in California - LOL! Mark finally bought a card, but couldn't fill his check out - too tired....he barely signed it and said you fill it out I'm done....hilarious! Looking forward to Tuesday......

A Day Off

BBBRRRRR....it's cold! We had a great family day - spent the whole day together - a nice relaxing time! No work - just play....church, indoor football, shopping, dinner out, new shoes for boys.....looking forward to a fun Monday as the kids are off from school....back to the bell tomorrow night!

The First Saturday

Wow! What a day! I can honestly say I was a WRECK - couldn't sleep - counting sheep....just anxious. Will anyone show? What if they don't? The pressure.....I finally got up at 5am and busted out the workout I planned to present.....amazing how just a few swings, presses, push ups, rows and TGU's can settle one down.....Energized and ready to roll - off to work I go....did I mention I came early to drag another 10 bells in I ordered (another reason to panic about people showing....). It's just about 8am and there's 2 people (Marcy first of course - always on time).......at 8:05 people just kept coming...from where I don't know - Thank you Lord - I've been praying a lot! We had 17 total at 8am and 21 total for 9am including Doug's dad Pete (so nice - I felt weird taking his money, but he said you're not my daughter take it - LOL).....Mike and Dar did the double - you guys rock! Thanks to Steve Cotter and Steve Maxwell I had many new tricks (maybe a few too many, but hey some of the exercises pretty sweet) - you tube is incredible. The 2 hours flew bye - so much fun.....several newbies came back (good job) and 4 brand new faces including Monica's brother Gary (I thought Bob was tall - Lord he almost hit his head coming through the door)....he made me laugh when he told Monica to stop telling him what to do.....he said you're not the teacher she is I'll listen to her not you....LOL! Julie came in a little after ten and we worked one on one on kettlebell form, etc. She did great - we hit it off well! I cleaned up and headed home - RELIEVED - THRILLED - EXHAUSTED....Thank you everyone for making this much anticipated day possible....I will sleep well tonight! To check out the pictures Sherry Brown from HeartStrings photography took of Doug's last class last Saturday please go to www.collages.net Type in kettlebell then 14422.....very cool!

Day Off With Kids!

A very fun Friday - pj's all day long! The UPS man looked frightened when we opened the door with bed head....he was less than pleased dragging 10 boxes of iron to the front door - more kettlebells, but he did thank me for not ordering the "ball busters" (those were Bob's 28's and 32's last month) this time - LOL! I gave him a flyer and invited him to class - he rolled his eyes....Got a lot of work done around the house (sad to say we still have a few SMALL xmas items around - it's all good) as well as BBOM work. The full page ad in Mimi's dropped today (very pleased with the result) and we're in the process of preparing for our open house next Friday 1/25 and first ever BBOM 12 week weight loss challenge starting 2/1 - should be fun! I also had the pleasure of working with Dar tonight - she's awesome in a nutshell! I'm looking forward to tomorrow's classes (although I wish I could take them) as well as meeting/working with Julie! A busy, but fun morning!!!

More new faces

KB class went very well - a nice manageable group of 10 with lots of regulars.....TGU's with windmills at the top - it went a little longer than planned as I temporarily forgot I was supposed to be watching the clock - LOL - great effort by all - very quiet for a Thursday class as everyone appeared to be kicking it into high gear....Tiny you make me laugh - the bear crawls pushed her over the edge, she eventually finished...Monica always brightens my day (I'm gonna miss her tomorrow as I've seen her 3 mornings in a row)....Mike you have to be among the nicest of men I've ever met - great job as usual - he helps push the ladies to be the strongest they can be!!! I'm super proud of my boomers/beginners - Tammy and Gayle welcome to your new world of strenth....Stacey, Phil and Mom have quickly become regulars although Mom said if we would have done what we did today as opposed to last week she never would have come back - LOL....she thought we did the same thing everytime - the beauty of KB at it's best....Bob and I took Molly's Class tonight (beauty of having childcare - we can take the kids)! Molly had a great turn out and rocked it with a challenging circuit/agility workout - kicked my tail! We pounded the tire, pull ups, TRX bands, Bosu, plyo work, ran with the band....need I say more....the kids are off school tomorrow and so am I - looking forward to a fun-filled day!

I a workin girl now

I prepared for the sitter to come at 5pm as I had the pleasure of introducing KB to a new victim, Nicole (who did very well), along with her good friend Shelli who just wanted to brush up on her form and technique at 5:30pm. Both did fantastic.....Shelli pulled a "Darlene" and stayed for class at 6:30pm - impressive. Lynn showed up first - thank you for driving from Canton - so nice to see you! Colleen, Stacey and Deb proudly represented VCS - very nice job....Props to Marcy for working with the 16kg the entire class - way to believe in yourself. Mary, Heidi, Holly, Kevin and Amy (MIA for a very long time - welcome back), Brian and Jim....Mr. Jim Squire definitely deserves the Kettlebell Award for the week as he was the only who came back after Monday's but kickin "Sissy Test".....Did I scare you all away the first Week? LOL! I promised Doug I would do him proud - if you're not laughing I know he is.....

Snowy Day in Medina

We had 17 prospects in class this morning at 9:15am and 4 for the 10:30 - nice showing considering the weather - cold, windy and white....Bob were you whining about no air conditioning in Vegas - I'm sorry......The regulars completed the "sissy test" today; Monica (rang the bell first - way to go), Lorie, Bill, Andrea, Ursula, Sherry, Beth, Margie and Mike (way to go - stayed past the end of class to finish - commitment at it's best) all finished with pride! We had two newbies, Kim and Kris - they both did great....The new card system appears to be running smooth as well as babysitting....Ms. Meghan is definitely looking forward to having more kids - bring them on!!!! We finally turned in the lease, deposit and rent for January (a little late, but hey better than never)....so it's REALLY OFFICIAL NOW.....Thank you again Chad for the chalk (much appreciated) and Mike no worries the leaky water tank is fine! See you tomorrow!

The Official Day 1

I reported in for duty tonight at 6:15pm as class started at 6:30pm....I kept waiting for Doug to show up or be there, etc. - it was weird.....The usuals started filtering in and then the newbies - 8 victims tonight including my brother and sister in law from Massillon - what a surprise - thanks for the support guys! I was definitely nervous for some reason - feeling the pressure of taking over and carrying the torch - didn't expect that one! After a few warm-ups and a little strength work, I split the usual suspects and newbies up....We worked on basic drills, especially form and technique with the green participants....several regulars were turning green with the "Sissy Test" compliments of Brad in St.Paul (a few almost earned a t-shirt); a ladder of 25 swings in descending order mixed with burpees (starting with 1 and ascending to 25).....Darlene finished first at just under 40min - she rang that bell with pride! Cherri, Jean and Bonnie also finished....the guys came close - all did a fantastic job - way to go!!!! Mark said the myth that my class is easier than Doug's was blown out of the water tonight - so not true says he.....We'll see what Wednesday brings!!!

Sunday Day 7

Bob left bright and early for a business trip to Vegas (tough I know)....He's very excited about training with Sara Cheatam tomorrow night - I will report the details as soon as I know....

A great day with the kids - very fun! Max dunked the telephone in the dog's water dish, Alex accidentally smeared blackberries on the freshly cleaned carpet and Sam AKA "Eagle" for his indoor flag football team claimed the game "rough" as they got pounded by the Steelers. He has no idea what he's doing (Some kids walk faster than he runs), but bless his heart he still manages to talk and smile through the mouth piece - only Sam! Cooper refrained from peeing in the house, but did manage to steel a cookie from Max's hand....Max got stuck under the end table and wiped out on the wet tile floor....We'll see what happens tomorrow!!! All of the angels are fast asleep and as usual I'm trying to figure out where to start....wouldn't have it any other way!

I took the day off since I pushed it hard yesterday! Tomorrow night will kick off my 3.5 months of solo teaching as Bob will be getting certified the end of April! I'm looking forward to the challenge!

I am also very grateful as my training schedule is slowly starting to fill up....I've gotten many requests and am excited! Our full page Mimi's Ad breaks this week and Mona Vie is starting to take off.....we have a lot going on....as always I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!

Day 6 - Dougs Last Day

What a way to end!!! Doug had 25 in class - just an awesome tribute - so much fun as there was iron flying every which way! Mikey even shaved his head and died the Mohawk green - it doesn't get any better than that! I will never forget the class - a great memory to have...I have big shoes to fill, but plan to do it with pride making more memories along the way. I can't replace Doug (no one can for that matter - he's one of a kind), but will do my very best to uphold his standards. I've learned a lot and will continue to do so from everyone who steps a foot into BBOM and for that matter picks up a bell.....Game on.

I do want to report (still not believing I did this) I squatted with a 28kg bell....the clean blew but I managed to complete 2 solid sets of 5 on each side - the cow bell was rung for that one baby!!! That's what happens when 25 participants show up and you have to use what's available - No pressure!!! My advice - be on time for class and get your spot/desired bell....you snooze you lose....Mighty Mouse does show up from time to time.....

Day 5

Pretty low key day! Took the day off as it's Doug's last kettlebell class at BBOM tomorrow a.m. - he's gonna kick our butt! I had a massage with Mary today - she is the absolute BEST! I was in agony (she is not the quiet light touch easy going therapist) but all worth it....she finds knots and problem areas you don't realize exist - I wanted to yell really loud but just said "ouwww" several times! It's my own fault for letting it go 6 weeks....I went to an Uppercase Living Party Tonight at Rabbits Foot - very fun and cool! Hope to get some words or quotes for the gym....

Day 4

I didn't forget - way to go! It was quite a day as we had a huge turn out for kettlebell - 19 participants - standing room only! Many new faces as well as seasoned kbers - it's thrilling to see the growing enthusiasm for kettlebell - the word continues to spread which makes me so happy. I had three in the beginner class, 2 brand new (one being my Mom who drove 45min to surprise me - wow it doesn't get any better - thanks for the support) and Mr. Phil (Molly's dad) who came back after his first class on Tuesday....My mom, partners and I had lunch at Thyme - very fun! I volunteered in the kids classrooms and ended the evening at a Mona Vie meeting! Darlene and my brother signed up (thank you to both) and now I'm a Star (they will be soon too)!!!! It was a good meeting - learned a lot....drink it, share it, feel it - THIS STUFF ROCKS! Most importantly, I forgot to report I managed to squeeze a quick kettlebell workout in and successfully completed 3 sets of 2 pistols - both sides as well as two sets of 3 pull-ups in addition to the usual stuff.....Ringing the bell for that tomorrow for sure!

Day 3 I forgot to blog

Oh man I already blew it - geeeezzzzz.....I wasn't at BBOM on Wednesday, but heard classes went well - way to go HB! Alex had soccer practice in Independence so the evening was shot and Bob is out of town!!!! Max is feeling better, but I'm ready to knock out the puppy as he was up barking 2x in the middle of the night......over and out for now....I'll check in later with class and workout updates!

Day 2

Well it's the second day of our BBOM kick-off - so exciting! We received beautiful flowers from our running buddy Sherry and good friend Shana - so thoughtful - thanks guys for thinking of us! I woke up this morning excited to teach my regular 9:15am class and my new Baby Boomer/beginner group at 10:30. Fortunately, Bob was working from home because Max woke up with a fever - let the day begin! Poor baby has a double ear and sinus infection - parents of the year....all worked out - drugs are good.....I had 12 in class - so good to see my regulars and several new faces - all did great....I had 4 in the boomer class - Molly's dad, Phil, did super as well as Rose and Rachel....Linda was a trooper! So far no complaints - keeping the fingers crossed!!!!

Day 1

As promised I am back! It feels so good as the first day of our new schedule and venture is done! Molly had 8 people this morning for 6am - a great class by the way - her new nickname "plank girl" - kicked my butt....and the sand ball, bosu.....need I say more.....Heather's class at 9:15am also went well.....thank you to some in her group who had to adjust to a new time and price - all is well. Doug taught his last Monday night kettlebell class - awesome class as well! The place was packed with regulars, newbies and some that have been MIA for awhile.....the energy and comradeship amazing! Babysitting went well. Megan handled my crazy boys - hopefully she shows up tomorrow???? I hope to sleep well tonight....The eve of Day 2 - Baby Boomer Bell - I'll let you know!!!!

The Eve of Day 1

It's been a long time - too long since I've blogged. My News Resolution - to stay committed. In any event, the last 2 months have been CRAZY not only with the excitement of the Holidays, but preparation for taking over BBOM - overwhelming, but quite exciting to say the least! My partners (Heather & Molly) and I pulled together and worked really hard to make it happen. We hit bumps in the road which was to be expected, but continually pushed through.....and here we are - Game On with a new group fitness schedule and brand new babysitting room! I'm so proud to say they're my partners - a true team we are as there is no i in team.....Don't miss out - come check us out - what are you waiting for? Everyone is welcome no matter the fitness level or age....

I must, however, say a word or two about my good friend and mentor, Doug Nepodal (founder of BBOM). We were apart of a wonderful event last night - a surprise party for Doug with friends and family as he prepares to leave for California next week. Doug was completely overwhelmed as he had no idea - way to go Darlene! I can't think of a more well-deserving individual. The food, decor, video, kettlebell cake.....unbelievable. A night I will never forget and am so thankful I was able to take part. I've known Doug for a little over a year and feel like I've known him my whole life. It's so bitter-sweet because I'll miss him so much - he's the very reason all of this is even possible - why I even picked up a kettlebell, decided to get certified and then gave me a chance to teach without a question? Nothing but first class.

We dedicated a plaque (and gave him a duplicate plaque so he doesn't forget us or where it all began) during the course of the night. We're so proud to have it hanging in the gym for everyone to see day in and day out. I know Doug will do great in California - I'm so proud to be an RKC, but having him as a friend and mentor means even more.

Thank you for everything Doug - there are not enough words to express my true gratitude. God Bless you and your family.

Now I gotta get working - time to pay the bills with cast iron cannonballs!!!!!