By now we have all seen them, or even been a participant. Everyday in November people are reflecting on what they are thankful for on facebook.  I love this!  In an age of amazing abundance we have a tendency to take our blessings for granted.  Thinking about it for a solid month does make Thanksgiving less about a food-orgy that means Christmas is on the way,  but something special in its own right.  I have enjoyed reading people's posts; some are snarky, others are incredibly moving. One of my favorites is by our own Audra Huckabay who said "Today I am Thankful for a roof over my head and food on my plate. And wine. I'm thankful for wine. And beer. I like beer too."

Here is something I am thankful for:  Crossfit Fire, It has changed my life!

Here is what belonging to The Fort has brought into my life:

1) friends: My first friends in "the frozen hinterlands"  were made here.  If my attendance slacks off,  I can usually count on Kinsy Rosati to message me on facebook.

2) laughter:  We are working our butts off,  yet somehow, Sam Rosati can make me giggle.

3) confidence:  like many of us at the Fort,  I have my own body demons.  By the daily conquering of exhausting wods,  I beat them back little by little.  I have the confidence in knowing my body will do what I ask of it.

4) health:  I am so much more healthy than when I started. I love the philosophy the Bill gave me "treat your body as a science experiment of n=1".  Figure out what works for you and do it.

I am sure we all have things to be thankful about crossfit,  and Crossfit Fire in particular,  so let's celebrate together!

Our annual "Paleo Thanksgiving" we be held on December 8, so we are calling it "Holiday Party" .  The Fort will provide 40 lbs of tureky,  please bring all the "trimmings" and tasty adult beverage of your choice.  RSVP on the events page so we know how many to expect.  Also, there is a sign-up sheet at the fort for food.  Please indicate on it what you will bring.  We want nice variety of sides and especially desserts! There is a working oven so if you need to warm something up, no problem.

Jennie and I are planning on fun activities for your younger ones, so feel free to bring your whole family.  We are also planning fun activities for the adults after the feast so everyone can hang out afterwards and enjoy their tasty adult beverages.

Here are the specifics:

Old Mill Kitchen Design
4105 West Crystal Lake Road
December 8, 2012
5:00pm - 10:00pm

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We're midway through the whole life challenge. Have you been craving ooey-gooey melted cheese? Pepperoni?  You are not alone!
Pizza is my kryptonite when it come to eating cleanly.  Fortunately we have the beautiful meatza: baked crust of meat(s) topped with whatever your heart desires.  Our annual meatza-off is your chance to get creative.  Last year's winning meatza was a buffalo chicken deal.  I think half of those votes were because everyone was so surprised that Wild-Bill eats anything once covered in feathers,  but I digress.  Winner gets bragging rights for a year!

Everyone bring a meatza, and we will  also need some sweet-somethings or some salad-somethings.  Plus bring your own tasty adult beverage.

I'm told that a few of you like Bears football.  There might be a TV on somewhere in the house,  maybe 

RSVP HERE
Our annual meatza-off will be Sunday, November 4th at the Ritchie's house.  11 am.

Ritchie House
27220 Darrell Road
November 4, 2012
11:00am - 4:00pm

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It has been such a long time since we have done a breakfast! We are going to be gathering at 10 am THIS Saturday morning (9/15) for a potluck breakfast.

What to bring: Food to share!  There is an online spreadsheet for you to sign up for items. Bring one...bring a couple. Just bring something! Also bring a tailgate chair. Otherwise you might have to sit on the FLOOR.

Who is invited: You guys, OF COURSE! These breakfasts are also open to your families.

Please RSVP in the blog comments so we can get a head-count. Hope to see you all there!

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As part of the WLC,  we have to get our preliminary testing out of the way. We will have a brunch afterwards (more detail on that later)

Our plan is to get everyone through in an hour.  Show up at the fort at 9am sharp for measurements and WOD.

Brunch will be afterwards.  We are still hashing it out if we want to do pot-luck paleo brunch  or everyone go the brunch cafe.  Details to come...

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I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes!  I am so excited about this concert!

Here are the details:

• Meet at the fort at Noon on Saturday.  We'll load up the RV and head on into Apline Valley.  We'll tailgate all afternoon and then party on the lawn.
• Please have your ticket handy! There are still some available online, but you'll have to be speedy!
• We are asking everyone to pitch in $30 to help pay for the RV, gas, clean-up fees and parking. Please give Bill or Jennie $30 cash/check next time you see them.

The Fort will provide hamburgers and fixins, paleo margaritas and a few cases of water. Please bring side dishes to share and your favorite adult beverages. We'll have coolers,  plus the RV has a fridge.  We're going to be there a long time so plan accordingly!

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CrossFit: constantly varied, high intensity functional movement

Ready to add a little more variety to your workouts? Our own Melissa Erliech recently completed the CrossFit Striking certification and wants to bring what she learned to the Fort!

And what is CrossFit Striking, you might ask? It was created for MMA athletes who were combining their striking training with the WODS. You will learn how to throw a punch, kick, knee and elbow strike for maximum effectiveness.

This is NOT a martial arts class! You will not be sparring with each other. It will be loads of fun and you never know when you might need to go all Cobra Kai on someone!

There is a flyer that will be hung up at the Fort. If you are interested, please sign up and pick which time would work best for you!

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Enjoying summer so far?  Or has the heat got you down in the dumps? Here is a helpful checklist to see if you are in dire need of our August event:

Have you: (check all that apply)

1) Blown out your flip flop?

2) Stepped on a pop top

3) Cut your heel?

If so,  we have the cure for you! That's right!  The Fort is going to see Jimmy Buffet at Alpine Valley on August 25th!  We'll get there extra early to tailgate.  We'll bring margarita fixin's and a crappy tailgate grill or two.  You can provide the meat you want to grill.

Here are the important facts:

Buy your own ticket.  We will be enjoying all the wonders that the LAWN has to offer. Order tickets ahead of time. 

CARPOOL. Decide if you want transportation with us.  I will post a car-pool sign up this week at the Fort.  Once we have a carpool head-count we'll decide if we are doing a bus. There will be mandatory DUI checkpoints on every route home! (I'm sure the last thing Pete/Scott/Stacy/Josh wants is to get phone calls from 20 of us saying we all got DUI's)

The concert starts at 830.  The grounds open at 330. We will be tailgating, so start thinking about coolers, blankets, sunblock, bug spray and snacks. Also start thinking about what to wear. Do we want obnoxious Buffet/CrossFit Fire t-shirts?? We'll need to design them right away!

Got all that? This is going to be CRAZY FUN! Hope to see all of you there!

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