That my husband, an otherwise standard issue American male, has made Men in Trees part of our must-see television watching every week? Don't get me wrong -- I don't mind it. It seems to be a cross between Northern Exposure and Sex in the City, with a lead male actor who is very easy on the eyes. It's just an unexpected choice, especially in the middle of football season.
As I have said before, it's never a dull moment when you are in a relationship or marriage. You never know when your significant other is suddenly going to start wearing corduroys with scottie dogs on them or take up some odd new interest. My husband's newest thing (now that we've done photography and incorporated that into our lives) is going to be target shooting. Yep. Target shooting.
I only learned of this when I overheard him asking on the phone when he could pick up his new something-something caliber something-something and I said, "Whoa, what's all this about, are you planning to shoot me?" Nope, not planning to shoot me, but planning on signing us up for hunting lessons. Two whole days in the woods in November. I have been assured however that we are not actually going to shoot any warm furry creatures with velvety brown eyes. We're just going to learn the ropes of shooting safety so we can do some target shooting. I shudder to think what interest we're going to take up next after this.
Try sailing, it's like standing in a cold shower tearing up packets of money.
Posted by: Annamal | October 16, 2006 at 03:27 PM
You don't need hunting lessons to learn gun safety and how to shoot. You can get that at any skeet range. There, the only thing you'll kill will be clay pigeons (which are more akin to ceramic frisbees).
Posted by: Chipmunk | October 16, 2006 at 03:32 PM
Yeah, I'm a little confused about the whole hunting safety part of this. I think it's just that a friend of a friend runs the program or something.
Am not 100% sure I want to sit around in the cold in the woods for two days, but will give it a go. I am wondering if I can wear my heels there. Either way, there had better be hot chocolate.
Posted by: The Happy Feminist | October 16, 2006 at 03:41 PM
Your husband sounds cool. He seems to have gone through a lot of the same "phases" I've gone through (actually I'm still going through most of them). Cigars, photography, Brooks Broths scotty dog pants, and now skeet shooting. If he lived closer I'd join him on the range, and all your readers could wring their hands that HF's hubby has started hanging with (gasp) RICHARD! Safety tip: When he yells, "Pull," be sure you're standing BEHIND him. And check out the NSSA site: http://www.mynssa.com/
Posted by: Richard | October 16, 2006 at 03:45 PM
p.s. Note that the NSSA ominously offers a good deal on what it terms "shooter insurance." :)
Posted by: Richard | October 16, 2006 at 03:48 PM
Target shooting is pretty cool. It is all about strength, muscle control, calming yourself (especially in a competition) and breathing right.
Rifle's don't have to killing devices.
Posted by: Mastermind | October 16, 2006 at 04:23 PM
I've never heard of that particular TV show, but I echo Mastermind and Richard about the target shooting. To be of competetive caliber requires concentration on a zen level, as well as the control Mastermind spoke of. Small bore rifle competition has mixed memories for me; fond ones of the competition itself, but also the fight that got me into with my high school. As our team was undefeated, and I was invited to the 1972 Olympic trials, I naturally expected a sports letter. Since the ROTC unit wasn't technically part of the school system, they were not absolutely required to recognize any accomplishments we made there- so I was denied a letter because "shooting isn't a sport". Of course, 1969-1973 were not great years for ROTC...
Posted by: Joel Monka | October 16, 2006 at 04:41 PM
I could be in trouble because zen-level concentration tends to elude me. I think I'll just be happy if I manage to shoot anyone by accident.
Richard, maybe I can get you and husband together for a few beers and cee-gars to talk clothes and guns. On the other hand, I am not sure you would be a good influence on him.
Posted by: The Happy Feminist | October 16, 2006 at 06:11 PM
I think I'll just be happy if I manage to shoot anyone by accident.
Did you mean avoid shooting anyone by accident?
Or do you have aspirations to be Vice President some day?
Posted by: ballgame | October 16, 2006 at 06:44 PM
Er, yes, that's what I meant.
Posted by: The Happy Feminist | October 16, 2006 at 06:51 PM