A new club? AIR KICKS!

Purpose: To defy gravity, look really cool in an "action freeze", and of course, teach safety while jumping and kicking simultaneously.

Just Because....

Record Muskie Catch & Cyd the Cyclops

Its good to see that our friends in Gananoque understand the importance of good sportsmanship, and that our muskie friends will live to swim another day!

"Never mess with a one eyed musky." Especially when his name is "Cyd the Cyclops" or "Big Mama" attacking in a German U-Boat formation. So Jim referenced his "Understanding River Muskellunge" DVD and I just had to check it out. I found some other gems as well over at All Esox Publishing, including books such as "The Quest for Girthra," described as "The epic, mythic, heroic, cosmic, ceremonial, and comic aspects of Musky fishing. The essence of Musky lore is revealed to a poor wanderer, lost in a fogbank, on the endless troll, through the List of Forty sayings of Musky Bill. Follow him on his quest." I'm also very interested in "The Forty Sayings of Musky Bill."

I did the HUNDRED!

My heart is till pounding, and my arms are feeling... really strong. The last twenty were probably the roughest. Actually, the last TWO were pretty tough, but YEAH "I did the hundred!" Last spring I was on week six, but stopped after suffering some bad seasonal allergies. I hope this doesn't seem silly, but a couple months ago in Sunday School I gave a lesson on remaining steadfast in our testimonies of Christ. A class discussion ensued about what it meant to be resolute, steadfast, and persevere. I recalled how I had started this challenge, but had failed to finished, and wasn't any of those three things. I decided I would start again. Of course, I couldn't restart where I had left off, and had to backtrack. Now I've made it, and it feels great!

Parkour in the Big City

The new parkour club stepped out in style as they visited New York City in early July. Here are a few snippets of the fun!

Note the moments of deep concentration before she makes her move!

The precision running necessary to pull of this move is astounding!

The new club needs a hip name. Sound off with your ideas in the comments!

Things to make you smile (and maybe laugh appreciatively).

Sometimes you just need
something you can laugh at on a bad day. Or once in a while you just want to laugh. These pictures (the ones of Sarah mostly) do that for me. We did these one night at the dinner table. I don't remember how it started, but it was fun. The girls really liked it. Enjoy. Laugh appreciatively.

DONE!!!

Today I finished my last rotation as a student! I really don't know what else to say. After roughly 21.75 years of school I'm done... It feels good. Thanks everyone for your support through all of it. Most of all, thank you Sarah... I mean Nitro.

This weekend Jef dazzled 425 with

Chunky Monkey Waffles!

That's right - chocolate waffles topped with banana slices, sweetened whipped cream
and walnuts!
They were crispy and delicious!

425: Cookin' Up a Storm

Members Lewis, Chet, and Vortex their prowess in the kitchen as they serve up some treats. The Viriginia chapter of MAW gathered in Alexandria for a 425 cooking club extravaganza over President's Day weekend. The menu for the evening included meatloaf, pumpkin soup, salad, and orange pound cake for dessert!

Play some Bocce!

Lewis and I were talking last week about how we missed participating in a little competitive LGF together. I was recently flipping through some albums and found these pics from about 3 years ago. They reminded me of how enjoyable Bocce can be -- even if it's a little chilly and there's snow on the ground. It's not easy to find just anyone who'd be willing to play in said elements! Long live the Lawn Game Federation.... now get out and play some!

100!

The logo says it all. I did 100 push-ups today. The first 70 went really quick, the last 10 were hard. My abs were shaking a little. I collapsed after hitting 100 (I was going to do a few extra). I decided at some point during my day in the office I was just going to do 100 today and not wait a few more days. my next goal will be doing 100 more easily and I think I'll do the 200 sit-ups program as well. How is everyone else doing?

The Head Wizard

Having problems growing hair??? Dry your tears and worry no more!

Gimme A Bread

I believe when young Kennedy Yang said "Gimme a bread" it stirred something inside me that I never forgot. Here's some more bread that I've done recently. Basically I just needed someone to show the pictures to. Shown are Rye Sourdough Oatmeal, Apple Bread with Walnuts and Currants (just out of the oven), and two loaves of French Bread. Each was delicious, nutritious too. I'm working on a loaf bread called Power Bread currently. It's loaded with 100% whole wheat flour, oat bran, pureed raisins and flax seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. We'll see what kind of power it provides (besides the obvious).

Transfer Announced for Jet and Nitro

Jet O'Kowski and Nitro Paige learned this morning they're bid to move to Westlake, OH was accepted. Jet will be furthering his medical education as an intern and resident at St. John West Shore Hospital in the Family Practice program. "It feels great" says O'Kowski. "Being 'skies we naturally sought out a training site near water. It will be fun to get to know Lake Erie again. We're excited for the recruitment opportunities Ohio will afford us as well." More info to follow and be shared with fellow muskies as it comes "down the pike".

Welcome Aboard!

Last week, Chet, Gauchita and I were reminiscing about the infamous public speaking professor at Virginia Tech whose favorite expression was

Welcome Aboard!

Imagine my delight when just yesterday I found this jem tucked away amongst various-and-sundry other photos on my computer. It had to be posted!

We also were remembering how we sent the aforementioned professor an e-mail from Jet's account (changing the displayed sender name to "Ralph Macchio") with his favorite expression, "Welcome Aboard," in the body. What I couldn't remember is whether or not we included this picture as well... Anyone remember the deets?

School of Public Service Announced in Maine

With great pleasure it is announced that after years of diligent work in the Northern New England region we are able to announce the University of Southern Maine Muskie School of Public Service (USMMSPS). While most M.A.W. groups have focused on fun and fitness, the School of Public Service shows our dedication to service in the community.

There had been worries we would not be able to get this off the ground before relocating for a new assignment in June. "We really felt some pressure to not leave this unfinished before leaving" says Jet O'Kowski. "I'm grateful everyone who helped reel this thing in". O'Kowski cites watching video of Muskie Man pulling in a particularly large muskie as inspiration when times got rough. "His determination, his cool handling of that 'skie gave me that extra little bit I needed to get the job done. That man is amazing."

Another Classic Muskie Moment: B.T. Bones

BT Boo-oones, BT Boo-oones, BT Bones! Their stakes are sooo good!

Muski-fit Push-up Check-in

Look at that muscle! The push-ups are working...

Fellow 'skies,

Look at all those hyphen-ated words in the title. That sure let's me know this post is important. I thought it would be good to check up on everyone's progress towards the 100 push-ups goal. I have had one injury reported to me so far. Let's remember that a safe 'skie is a happy 'skie. Also, a strong 'skie is a safe 'skie because nobody will mess with you, and if they do you can just beat them up.

Classic Muskie Moments Series

Straight from the "Reminisce: Turning a New Leaf" Archive.

Please post any "classic moments" you'd like to share with the whole gang!

The Flying Muskie

After popping off 40 push ups Papi Joe threw in a few of the flying variety.

"I would like to challenge the fitness 'skies to try out a few of these."

Exercise Nutrition

To sustain proper nutrition during exercise remember:

• Stay adequately hydrated (min of 64oz water daily) I recommend filling a quart size canning jar/water bottle and filling it twice through out the day

• A balanced diet of fruits/veggies, carbs and protein. Protein is very important but it is not prudent to eat only protein as carbs help properly digest protein. (not to mention that there is no single food that contains all the nutrition your body needs)

• Remember: fruits/veggies and sweets are carbs - not just grains, breads, pastas, ect and protein does not just mean meat.
  

The conference talk "Good, Better, Best"
by Elder Oaks also applies to food as well!

425 In Maine

.
Hot Dog! Actually, we should be saying "Hot Yummies"! The Maine chapter of 425 was cookin' up some good times and great eats in the headquarters kitchen today.

Despite the cold temps and snow outside, these 'skies really got things cookin'. Jet served up hot slices of fresh cinnamon raisin bread (dough preparation pictured at left) and oatmeal sourdough bread. Nitro kicked everyone's tastebuds into overdrive with her tangy lemon tarts. For those not in attendance we say: "eat your hearts out"! More pictures to follow.

Lewis says...

Lewis Borgnine, MVP and world champ. Max Rev and Ice Kushhh player says, "I hereby accept the Muski-fit Challenge!"

No Muskies Were Harmed...

They must have used Muskie Magnet lures!

Vortex-fit

The Muski-fit Challenge has been accepted.
Rebex says" Let's do some push-ups!"

Muski-Fit

Jet accepts the challenge.

With an eye on lasting Muskie health, Jet O'Kowski has been heading up the new Muski-Fit 100 push-up challenge. Nitro Paige, Chet Boustillie, and Papi Joe have accepted to challenge to date. We are looking for pictures of each participant. Our aim is "before" and "after" pics of each.

More photos to follow.

1/10/09 UPDATE

I'm pleased to announce that all members have now accepted the Muski-fit challenge. Welcome aboard the fitness bus everyone. Next stop: big muscles!!!

"A" sighting

An "A" was sighted at the Resaurante del Lago a few weeks ago. An enthusiastic fan of Kengito (Burrito) couldn't contain her excitement over his soothing dinner music.

Garden Club

After laying dormant for a season the Muskie Garden Club attended a Big Plant Preservation seminar in Mexico during December. Pictured here are two members Vortex Rebex and Louis Borgnine next to a featured species that is especially large.