Thursday, July 24, 2014

Discovering My Passion

In 2008, I was introduced to shooting for the very first time. I really enjoyed it (despite my horrible form) and discovered that I wasn't too bad at it!

First time shooting (2008)

Attempting a shotgun - please note the improper trigger discipline (2008)

While I am eternally grateful for the friend who showed me the ropes for the very first time, I have no memory of any safety debriefing or instruction on proper form. Scary, right? Nonetheless, I had a blast! (pun intended)

However, it was still incredibly intimidating to me. It would be years before I would go shooting again. I finally got the nerve to get some proper training, and even purchased my first gun in 2011. To this day, it is still one of my favorite firearms. My Sig Sauer P239 has been incredibly reliable and such an integral part of my training.

By 2012, I was a self-proclaimed "gun girl." I was (and still am) a regular at the gun range and my gun collection had grown with satisfying diversity (and continues to grow at a terrifying pace!). When I met the man who would soon become my husband, he was a casual shooter with fond memories of the range from his military days, but hadn't had the time or opportunity to go shooting in a long time. I dragged him out to the range with me and helped reignite that spark!

Defensive firearms training (2013)

Defensive firearms training (2013)
Every day, our passion continues to increase, amplified by each other's enthusiasm... and today, we are in full zombie apocalypse preparation mode. He buys me machetes for Christmas and decorates them with Hello Kitty emblems. I buy him tactical survival gear and lovingly help him pack his bug-out bag.

In the course of my journey, I have discovered a true passion in teaching. I love teaching all types of shooters, but I especially enjoy that light that blinks on when a woman shoots a gun for the first time. I am striving to bring to San Diego the opportunity for women to learn in a comfortable and friendly environment without any of the usual intimidation that comes with a mostly-male atmosphere.

And I look forward to sharing my journey with you all!

See you on the range!