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I Am Not Dead, But I Am In Heaven

A Girl and Her Gun: I Am Not Dead, But I Am In Heaven

Saturday, April 21, 2012

I Am Not Dead, But I Am In Heaven

Oh my, oh my, I love my life. I just got home from my first day working/training for John at FPF Training and what a day.

I was up at 4:30am and it's now 7:30pm, so this will be short. I promise to tell you all everything on Monday, but I did want to let you know how it went today.

First, I was the only female on the range today. This was an advanced class for conceal carry and John said in his 8 year of running this business he has maybe had 3-4 women take the advance class. I am making it my mission to change that. Not only is it crazy fun, the class builds very important skills that women need to know. I am gonna to pimp here a little. Of the 8 students who took this class, 6 were returning students. Each of them had taken at least 2 other courses from John and most had taken 4 or 5. That is a pretty impressive return rate.

One of the men in today's class was in the very first class I had ever taken with John back in March 2011. His name is Bill. He asked me if I was the same woman from that class and I said "Yes, I've improved a little, right?". He said, "Well I don't remember you being a poor shot(he didn't really shoot next to me then), but you sure were scared." I said, "Yes, I am over that.". "Uh, yeah, I'd say" was his reply. I just smiled.

I was, big surprise, nervous. I was not nervous for the class. I am never nervous to train with my gun. I don't care what anyone thinks and I know I am going to improve, but I did not want to embarrass John. I really didn't want the first time I massively screwed up to be today. I did, of course, screw up, but not massively.

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT tell Arete this part of my day. At one point John is instructing and he says, "Gentleman, look at AGirl"(he used my real name, but you know). "A strong wind could blow her over."

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to why? Yep, yep that's it.  My legs were crossed. I knew it the second he said it, but I was good and I did not uncross them, so he could make his point. For the rest of the day, I would periodically see John cross his legs, which meant for me to uncross mine.

I spent the day shooting and learning so much about everything. I left there sunburned, bruised, covered in dirt and grass stains and soaking wet from a storm that blew in...again I say heaven.

22 Comments:

At April 21, 2012 at 4:57 PM , Blogger kymber said...

it sounds like you couldn't have had a better first day! and i think with a woman like you helping in the class, more women might become interested. who knows what you will be able to do? and this was only your first day? i see big things coming for you - things that will build your confidence and enable you to make your mark. kudos, gurl!

your friend,
kymber

 
At April 21, 2012 at 6:44 PM , Blogger DaddyBear said...

Sounds like a wonderful way to start a new job!

 
At April 21, 2012 at 7:23 PM , Blogger Stephen said...

I'm happy for you...well done.

 
At April 22, 2012 at 5:05 AM , Blogger Maura said...

"The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step."

Congratulations on an exciting first day!! Now that you know what to expect, the next time will be that much easier.

*hug*

 
At April 22, 2012 at 6:11 AM , Blogger Old NFO said...

Well done lady :-) well done!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 6:43 AM , Blogger The Displaced Louisiana Guy said...

Man... that's 8 kinds of awesome.

 
At April 22, 2012 at 2:33 PM , Blogger Monty On Guns said...

Great job! Well done. You are just too awesome!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 6:36 PM , Blogger Keads said...

Well Done! Congrats to you. I must change my definition of "that guy" to "that person". "That guy" is always the one that cannot follow the course of fire, has firearm malfunctions, constantly reloading magazines, bitching about the weather, etc., etc.

I don't ever want to be "that person". It sounds like you had a great time! I am interested in taking a class from your instructor. He sounds like a knowledgeable and more importantly a good instructor. Just because YOU have the knowledge does not mean you can effectively impart it to others. It is in my opinion a talent as well as a skill.

Well done again! Based on this report you will love Appleseed!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 6:41 PM , Blogger RabidAlien said...

Awesome!!! Sounds like a great class to take!!!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:40 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

I think your right. It was a great first day!! Thank you as always for your support.

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:40 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

It was! Thank you!!!!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:41 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

That's means so much! Thank you!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:42 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

I know it is a cliche, but it's true. That one step that took a year ago to fight back. Not in the parking lot, but everyday since...it's been a journey and with all it's misery, it's been good. Thank for being here!!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:43 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

I love when you post a comment. You know how much I value you. Thank you!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:43 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

Ha! Made me smile! Thanks!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:44 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

Right backatcha! Thanks Monty!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:45 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

Honestly, you would love it!!

I am bummed about missing Appleseed, but I am determined to get there he day!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 7:45 PM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

:) Really is!

 
At April 22, 2012 at 8:36 PM , Blogger God, Gals, Guns, Grub said...

Awesome... hope you never lose that feelin'... I still have it every time...

A small bottle or tube of SPF 30 sunblock is always in a side pocket on the range bag...

;-)

Dann in Ohio

 
At April 23, 2012 at 4:40 AM , Blogger Paul Erickson said...

Congrats to ya, AGirl! I'm sure you did John proud. Through your 'mistakes' you're helping him teach more effectively and you're getting the reinforcement you need to correct what needs correcting.

It's a win-win for everybody!

Perhaps you and John can work together to develop some kind of advertising for his classes that focuses on women shooters. Heck, if he has a female helper/instructor in the class, you can provide a point of view that he simply may not understand. It'll be hard to market to women if no women are in the class, so go out there at get them! :)

 
At April 23, 2012 at 6:48 AM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

Dan, gosh darn it if I didn't have sunscreen right there in my bag and I forgot to put it on:)

I don't think I will lose the feeling. I tend to be pretty dedicated. When I first started running 10 years ago, we bought a treadmill, I burned out the motor and then we bought a second and I ran that one to the ground, so now I just run outside. I am still running and I love shooting way more:)

 
At April 23, 2012 at 6:50 AM , Blogger agirlandhergun said...

Thanks for the vote of confidence! You are awesome, but you already know I think that.

John does an excellent job teaching women...aka me:) But, of course, I am there to do whatever I can to add to his fabulous-ness:)

 

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