Tag Archive for: Banana Seat

Seven of Diamonds – The Nest 2/25/2020

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When 5:30 rolled around, 11 PAX showed up, responding to the call for a non-stop, challenging workout.

Warmup:

EC: Norm, Marky Mark, Mr. Terrific, Boy George

SSH 20x, Smurf Jack 20x, Red Bull Smurf Jack 10x

GMs 10x

The Thang:

Whenever I Q, I try to maximize the unique features of the site. The Nest has a fantastic loop that’s not too long and not too short and includes a mini version of the ramp at Ting Stadium.

My goal for every Q is to challenge each PAX to do something beyond his ability. The Seven of Diamonds fit the bill for non-stop work. It’s a simple workout conducted on any circuit with four corners. On each circuit, you complete exercises in increasing multiples of seven: 7, 14, 21, or 28. I was impressed by the hard work everyone put in this morning!

Seven of Diamonds

Here’s today’s circuit:

  • Lap 1: 7 burpees each corner (total 28)
  • Lap 2: 14 low slow flutters in cadence each corner (total 56)
  • Lap 3: 21 Merkins each corner (total 84)
  • Lap 4: 28 squats each corner (total 112)

Everyone landed with someone their own pace. Pikachu and Mr. Terrific took turns challenging each other to sprints on the straightaways. Little did they know that I had sprints planned on the mini ramp. Two or three other groups naturally fell out and counted the exercises together. Faster groups circled back and completed exercises with slower groups.

Turns out that one corner is a bus stop. The bus rolled up while we were doing burpees. Pretty sure the kid was afraid to get out of mommy’s car and walk to bus until we were mostly done.

After completing the first four laps, I converted to an Indian run between corners to keep everyone together. We counted the final lap together, which included all four of the exercises.

Sprints: Finally, with about nine minutes to go, we all lined up for sprints. After all, I really didn’t want to disappoint anyone! In the dark, it was hard to find good markers, but I broke the ramp into thirds.

Three markers: Sprint to first marker, walk back; sprint to second marker, walk back; sprint to third marker, mosey to where we warmed up.

Mary: Low hold 30-60 seconds, Have A Nice Day!

Announcements: Check Slack. Also, look around you. Your F3 brothers are the ones who will make you stronger, both mentally and physically. You’ve tried it on your own, but it’s not sustainable. Enjoy these brothers around you. Keep giving, keep leading, keep motivating.

Prayer requests: Forceps and family, Wallaby and family, Lipstick’s sister

This was a fun Q, always a privilege to lead!

Light it up!!

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FNGs:1 FNG. (Armpit) 5 for EC.  Fonzie, breach, born & buttermilk
Warm Up:16 pax total started with SSH, Windmills, daisy pickers, fazio arm circles, seal claps, over head claps.
The Workout:9 for Red October

one person did battle rope twist while the others did the exercise 20 count IC

Rows

Squats twists

Push up drags

Burpee press

American hammers

Leg raises

Curls for girls

Step ups

side bends

Wonder bras/ (mountain climbers/ opp mc/ peter Parker)1:4

Half burpees curls

Mary:

all in 20 count Cadence

lsf/6 inches/ hello dolly

lbcs, homer to marge, pickle pounders, shoulder taps. 10 burpees oyo.

Announcements:q sheet need a filled out. Q all AO challenge. Forceps sons service at Hope Saturday
T-Claps (Recognition): Att runners along with half milers last weekend
Prayer:forceps and family, military and 1st responders, marriages and families health issues

Yosemite Kringle

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YHC got in from the airport a little after 0100 and, according to Garmin, got 3 hours and 55 minutes of sleep before getting up and heading to Holly Springs to lead this below-freezing ramble.  Knowing that there were three planning 5-mile EC I was curious how many would actually show up.

Much like the DPG that ran last week we were having staggered starts with 5-milers leaving around 0600 and the 3-milers heading out around 0625.  Let’s see how it went.

EC: Yosemite, Warbucks, Martini

FNGs: This is a joke today, right? I didn’t even want to go out in this, let alone someone new.

Warm Up:

The same warm up was done for both groups.

SSH x10 IC

Frankenstein x10 IC

Hip openers x10 IC

The Workout:

At 0600 and after being told to watch the ice, each PAX began Forward Foot Flops (FFF’s) OYO.  Some started by putting their left foot first, followed by the right, and then back to the left.  Others went right, then left, and then back to the right.  Rinse and repeat x6000+ times (individual results varied based on milage).

Once the first group was gone YHC climbed back in to his warm vehicle to pass the time.  The devil on my shoulder started suggesting that, if no one else show up, maybe I should just say in there until closer to 0700 and then just run in a circle until the runners get back.  Luckily Sprinker showed up to run 3 iles with me and after we warmed up we also started with FFFs.

Also, apparently when you have a long beard and you run in temps like this you end up looking like something out of a Christmas special.

Mary:

Some stretching and yoga were done once everyone was in.  We successfully had all PAX in (including ECers) around 0700.  I think this staggered start thing might actually work.

Announcements:

ShamWow!’s baptism at Hope tomorrow morning, following the 0930 service

T-Claps (Recognition):

To all SW PAX.  You know why.  You are real HIM.

Prayer:

Forceps and his family.  Today is going to be a difficult day.  Take a little extra time today to talk to God and offer to lend some of your strength to help Tim and his family.

 

Always an honor, even with no sleep and frozen hands.

 

010000

What’s the Deal with Cusack and Rocks? 9 PAX Fly Some Kites at Possum Trot

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Q Tour continues, and YHC saw a place on the Q sheet Sunday after Banana Seat called out the need to fill in all those pink spaces for this week. Yeah, I’d be fresh off a business trip the day before, but I’ve got many more to go before completing the SouthWake cycle. May as well cross another off the list if its available. YHC has a love hate relationship with Possum Trot. It’s dark as $hIt out there in the winter and in the summer, its riddled with fire ants and other nasty things Dauber makes us run through when he Q’s. That hill to the guard rail is always sketchy too, but it does have several amenities that can provide a perfect formula for beatdowns, especially long running lanes by the baseball fields and a wide open set of tennis courts.

One of YHC’s personal favorites of all time was when DoubleD brought a whole firehouse kit, complete with hoses, water jugs, and barbells. He had us running up and down the lane to put out a fictitious fire. This was on a muggy morning and remember thinking, WTF. No way I could have duplicated that this morning with limited supplies and imagination, but knew I had to do something with overhead work to simulate kite flying, keeping in line with the spirit of this Q and AO.

Pre-Blast showed YHC flying a kite. The picture was taken about 3.5 years ago on a beach, where YHC was flying a kite, not because I like flying kites, but because that was the activity I chose rather than wanting to jump in 30 degree waves with my son in Maine. Also, partly because YHC was 225lbs and didn’t have the energy or the want to run around. At the time, YHC thought he was operating at 100%. Great job, great kids, supportive wife, but no energy or desire to do anything extra. Was definitely missing something, but health and connections outside of work took a backseat, gradually leading to sad clown syndrome and deep denial. YHC was comfortable and have learned that when you are comfortable, you don’t grow so to battle that, YHC is trying new things like trying to Q all the SouthWake AO’s and beyond that Q 1-2 times a week (all with the aim of each workout being unique).

Arrived to the parking lot and got concerned as the only person YHC had seen was H1N1. It was early though and while H1N1 was out getting his early EC, I took the time to get the lay of the land and place some cones out by the baseball fields. Got back to the car and it was 5:23, still early, but no cars. Guess these guys in Fuquay do it differently, maybe more fartsacks than I thought. Then the headlights started to flow in. Banana Seat, Noah’s Ark, Sprinkler, Breach, 8-Bit, Midget, FedEx. H1N1 arrived back somewhere in between Banana Seat and Breach.

5:30 hit and asked PAX if they brought their lawn chairs and kites. If they didn’t, M4L had a lawn chair in his trunk. All those who wanted to be comfortable could sit in the lawn chair and fly a kite, all others could follow me for some quality work in the gloom.

Warm Up: Skinny loop around the tennis courts and into the courts for some alternating side shuffles are around the baseline, weaving in and out of each court. Led PAX back out of the courts to circle up for Imperial Walkers X10, Hillbillies X10, Morocan Night Clubs X20, Fazios 10F/10 Back, Seal Claps X20. SSH X20. Fellowship run back around the tennis courts to retrieve a rock.

The Workout:

PAX retrieved rocks (some extremely larger than others- Breach) and cusacked them down with tricep extensions in cadence to the concession stand. Circled up for some squats on YHC’s down and up. Placed rocks down and did some modified clock work merkins, where PAX placed both feet on the rock and did 10 merkins on YHC’s down, held plank and walked it over 4 spaces, performed 10 more merkins, held plank and walked it over 4 spaces, performed 10 more merkins, held plank and walked it over 4 spaces, performed 10 more merkins.

Mosey’d over to the concession wall and did some B2W’s in cadence to 20 and then back upright for People’s Chair in cadence to 20.

Rinse\Repeat one more time (2 Rounds Total)

Cusacked the rocks outside the fence and gathered around the first cone that was layed out for some Rut Rows X20 on YHC’s up, Cusacked to the next cone 15 yard further down and performed rock curls starting position at the bottom to the middle X 20. Cusacked the rocks to the next cone 15yards futher and performed rock curls from the top to the middle X20, and then cusacked 15 more yards further and performed rock curls from the bottom all the way to the top X20. Cusacked back to the start

Partner Up: Partner 1- Squat Hold with the Rock; Partner 2- Suicides to each of the cones and switch

Rinse\Repeat (2 Rounds Total)

Cusacked the rocks all the way back to inside the tennis courts and had PAX line up along the baseline for some deconstructed Jack Webbs. On the baseline PAX performed uneven merkins on the rock with left hand on rock\right hand on baseline. Performed 5 on each side for a total of 10. Moved the rock out of the way and performed lunge walks to the other side of the same court. Knelt down for some Jack Webbs X20 in cadence. Mosey’d back to the start.

Rinse\Repeat but this time up’d the uneven Merkin count to 20 total and 40 Jack Webbs in Cadence. Cusacked the rocks back to the pile. Instructed PAX to get into an Indian run from the tennis courts and encircle the entire lot in front of the tennis courts. Mosey’d back inside the tennis courts

Mary: Plank hold for the six. Shoulder Taps X15 in cadence, Right Arm up\Right foot up, Left Arm Up\Left Foot Up. It was damp and rainy, so had to flip em all over on their six for American Hammers X20 and a quick transition to Pickle Pounders X20. Downward Dog and a gradual roll up into a Shawshank. (Have a Nice Day upright).

Announcements: 3rd F opportunities on Slack. Forceps’ son, Jon’s service is next Saturday, Feb 29th from 12-2 at Hope Community Church.
T-Claps (Recognition): Those getting out and after it in the rain
Prayer: Prayers for Forceps and his family. Lipstick’s family and his sister. Wallaby and those battling substance abuse issues. All those unspoken. YHC took us out.

3 Peat

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Warm Up:
Frankenstein walks, skip jumps, high knees

The Workout:
Today’s workout is geared toward finishing strong on tired legs. That last mile of a race should be all you got. The PAX pushed hard today on that last mile.
400M Warm up
1 mile at 10K pace
2 min recover
1 mile 30 sec faster than last mile
2 min recover
1 mile 30 sec faster than last
800M Cool down

Mary:
Grab some fence
Leg swings
Squats with pulsing at the bottom
Quad stretch
Ham stretch

Announcements:
nothing new

T-Claps (Recognition):
Few PR’s set today. Great push

Prayer:
Forceps family, those battling additions, safety with weather coming

Great job to all that came out today. Thanks for letting me lead again.

BS Out!

Small Wall & Pancakes

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YHC pulled in at 0522 to a parking lot already packed with cars along with tons of election signs. HIM started filing in from EC runs as well. Two from home and others from a 2 mile run. Cotters Boy George was back and happy to be in the gloom. 15 PAX gathered with 2 mins to go. FNG was given the disclosure and we were off.

FNGs:
Spinal Tap (#11 for HSHS Football)

Warm Up:
Run down to corner parking lot
Air squared x20 IC
Windmills x10 IC
Slalom x20 IC
Werkins x20
Mtn Climbers x20 IC

The Workout:
Mosey to short wall across the street in front of school
Box jumps
Seated squats leg lifts
DD’s – diamond dirkens
3sets x 15reps

Mosey over to gradual hill for stack’ems (did somebody really just say like pancakes?)
5 burpees
10 monkey humpers
15 pickle pounders
20 merkins
25 star jumps
Broad jump to 2nd sign (about 20 yards) then run to top, new exercise only at top, run back down, stack’em at the bottom

Bear crawl / Crawl bear suicides
2 parking spots forward then back to start, 4 spots then back, 6 then back

Mary:
X’s and O’s x10
100’s
Australian snow angels x20 IC
Windshield wipers x10 IC

T-Claps (Recognition):
Vistors that typically don’t post. Boy George for making his comeback to the gloom.

Announcements:
ATT run this Saturday, The Mule 3/14

Prayer:
Forceps family, Wallaby and family, Lipsticks sister, Finkles hand from surgery, Fromunga personal stuff, Yosef’s son broken femur, Praise for Gamecocks daughter turning 2

Awesome job today guys! Great to see so many HIM at The Nest. This site has a lot to offer. Thanks for allowing me to lead this morning.

BS Out!

Roses Are Red, Violets are Blue, 20 PAX @Cletus…And There was Lots to Do..

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Q Tour again rode through Womble, picking up where YHC left off on Wednesday at TBD. Pre-Blast promised a bouquet of heart friendly PAX-inspired exercises to increase endurance and stamina. No false advertising this week as YHC wanted to make sure Friday’s addition of Cletus didn’t slow PAX down like an assortment box of chocolates. Today and this week, YHC was aiming for high-intensity, strategically placed exercises.

Having been to a fair share of AO’s, I’ve seen a great many things, and very fortunate to have met some HIM along the way that have not only pushed me, but also had the opportunity to learn from. As I was planning this workout after TBD on Wednesday, I decided to reach out to several PAX each with their own styles as Q and those that have a unique way of bringing out the best in PAX to ask them their trademark or favorite exercises. There are many out there and fortunately for me I have many more Q’s to go this month, so don’t be surprised if I hit any of you up soon that are not listed below.

YHC first dropped a DM to Yogurt on Slack- This might be the only guy that doesn’t get tired at Paradise City. So much so that he runs the ramp at Ting after the workout. When I say run though, its not a run. It’s more of a sprint, and if you see Yogurt sprint, he is a blur going up the ramp. The guy is just fast, really fast. He also credits core work as a foundation for his running and that is an element we needed for this workout.

YHC’s next DM was to Pikachu- The man loves turkish get-ups. YHC hates turkish get ups. No way we were doing these. These and crab walks are my cryptonite. What else does he like? Bear Crawls and Burpees…done!

Next on to Nemo- This guy is notorious for minimal run, high intensity AO’s. His secret weapons, SSH’s and Goof Balls..Oh, and a killer arm routine with rocks. Perfect!

Last on the DM list was Banana Seat- Always a solid workout with this guy. The one Q I seek out when he’s touring to guest Q spots throughout SouthWake and Carpex. Always methodical, pays attention to detail, and most import…form. No surprises here, his pick is Derkin Fence Shuffles starting at the top and working to the bottom. Full body exercise that engages the core and toasts the shoulders.

YHC likes to mosey, so we made sure we had a plan for that to keep us moving this morning.

Quite a few morning PAX got some EC along with Deadbolt, who started early on his way to a solo 8 miles.

As I made my way from marking the back lot, cars started to rolling in. Potts, who had been there on Wednesday, apparently was present to make sure YHC was true to his word in switching up the work out. Hopefully, YHC would not let him down.

PAX started rolling in from EC and before we knew it, there were 20 total PAX, including Cupid, who was posting for his 1 year Anniversary. It was Valentine’s Day. He had to post.

YHC welcomed everybody. No FNG’s so the only disclaimer was that we would keep it moving today… and oh.. Happy Valentine’s Day.

5:30am hit and we were off with the following workout.

Warm Up: Skinny loop around the lot, being careful to side step the FIA ladies and their yoga mats. Entered the first tennis court for shuffles in multiple directions around the court. Already started to hear Midget and his mumblechatter, which was my signal to turn it up a little. Increased the jogging speed a little as we exited the first court and entered 2nd for more of the same with alternating shuffles and then back out. Once out of the courts, exited out of the lot toward the lot surrounded by the rocks we all know and love.

Circled up for Imperial Walkers X10, Hillbillies X10, Moroccan Night Clubs X10, SSH’s X20, Goof Balls X20, Bat Wings 20’s Fazio B\F, Seal Claps, Overhead Claps. Instructed PAX to the rock pile. PAX were to pick a rock they were comfortable with as this would be their rock for everything that came after this.

The Workout:

Rock Curls

With the rock, performed 3 sets of 25 Curls in cadence

-Rock starting at top of the curl and half way down

-Rock starting at the bottom and curl half way to the middle

-Rock starting at the bottom and all the way to the top

-Happy Valentine’s Day…Love, Nemo

Cusacked the rocks to the lot behind the volleyball courts. This was a longer mosey and as we had time on the mosey, YHC instructed PAX to get familiar with another PAX and find an accountability partner for this next series of exercises. With everyone partnered up, PAX squat holded with the rocks as we waited on the six. Six was in, and PAX saw 3 cones in the distance spaced about 10 yards apart.

Pop a Squat and Core Speed

-All PAX goblet Squats on YHC’s up and down, leveraging quality form and going all the way down on each rep

-Partner suicide planks. Partner 1 in blank with rock on their back, Partner 2 performs suicide. Rinse repeat with partner switch out.

-Happy Valentine’s Day… Love, Yogurt

Returned rocks to the pile, formed a single line of 20 PAX for an Indian Run to the back lot

Bear Crawl Burpee Trains

Carefully labeled the start of 2 tracks with the words, Train 1 and Train 2. PAX split up into 2 groups of 10

-Both lines continued in bear crawl mode with the guy in the back pulling double time on the crawl to the front. When they arrive at the front they call out 1 or 2 depending on the line, and when they did, all PAX would perform 1 or 2 burpees depending on the train. Went the length of the lot with all PAX getting a chance to move to the front.

-Called a short recovery mosey around the back half of the lot, back to the Train station. YHC called for PAX to partner up for some patty cake Merkins X25.

-Happy Valentine’s Day…Love, Pikachu

mosey’d single file to the fence for the next group of exercises

Cupid Derkin Shuffles

-PAX would occupy their own section of fence and perform some Derkin Shuffles starting at the top of the 3 rung ladder fence

-5 Derkins at the top then shuffle and move down a rung

-5 Derkins in the middle then shuffle and move down a rung

-5 Derkins at the bottom then shuffle and move back to the top

At this point, YHC could tell he was losing PAX as my voice didn’t carry down the line and should have pulled up a fence section in the middle to be audible to both sides. Note to self for later Q’s. One more set was performed and continued in Indian Run back to Tennis Courts.

-Happy Valentine’s Day…Love, Banana Seat

People’s Suicides.. Get some Balls and Sprint

-Partner back up.. Partner 1- Peoples Chair, Partner 2 Suicides (switch)

-Partner 1- Balls to the Wall (Fence), Partner 2 Suicides (switch)

-Happy Valentines Day… Love, YHC

Great efforts on these. One of these day’s YHC will catch UTI, but not likely, especially not on Valentine’s Day.

Mary: Asked 3 out of the 4 PAX present that helped create today’s workout give their favorite Mary exercise- Banana Seat- of course Freddy Mercury’s, Yogurt-American Hammers, Pikachu- Break Dancers, and as Nemo was not present…called on Cupid, as it was his Anniversary. Cupid gave PAX probably the longest 1-minute regular plank hold in recent memory. YHC gave one last exercise….Pickle Pounders in cadence X20.

Announcements: Check Slack for 3rd F opportunities. Healing Transition workouts on Friday’s. Try and get out their and post.

T-Claps (Recognition): All PAX getting after it on Friday. DB for a solo 8-mi run and those getting in some EC

Prayer: Moment of Silence and prayers for our brother Forceps and his family. Prayers for Wallaby and Lipstick’s sister. First responders and military personnel. All unspoken. YHC took us out.

Speed Racer Take 2

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It was a balmy 65 this morning in the gloom. PAX gathered at 0520 for a short mosey to the track. Others came in at 0530 as the announcement to converge Tiger Blood would be happening until March 12 went out a bit late. Here is what we did.

Warm Up:
Buttkickers, high knees, slides, cariocas

The Workout:
Gave instructions to the run format for today.
400M warm up lap
2 mile run at 5K pace +30 secs to that pace with 2 mins of rest after completion
2 mile run at 5K pace with 2 mins of rest after completion
– these should have been reversed bc most legs were tired after the first 2 mile run
5x100M sprints with 1:15 rest after each
– some of these dudes were moving

Mary:
She did not show up today

Announcements:
Lowes Food 2ndF starts today, HSFC golf tourney will be hosted by F3, Tiger Blood will be converged with temp AO Speed Racer until Wilmington race

T-Claps (Recognition):
Da Business for coming out of his hoodie

Prayer:
The Leahy Family needs all of our prayers. Check slack for what we can do and when. Lipsticks sister.

Lot’s of skins today on the track. Saw guys getting out of their comfort zone on the runs. Hopefully these sessions will help you get stronger and faster for the long runs. Thanks for those that posted.

Thanks,
BS Out

Good Times at Johnsville

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EC: UTI, Skidmark, YHC had an abbreviated EC that included the John
Warm Up: Jogging, Karaoke, Frankenstein, shuffles
The Workout: Reverse Indian Run down Paradise City EC route to the Bridgewater Pool. Pax paired up based on speed for partner loops. Partners went in opposite direction and met back at full loop (0.4 Miles) for Patty Cake Merkins x10 in Cadence. Repeated this 5 times with increasing intensity levels – 1K Pace 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%.  Pax headed back to Ting with cool down mile
Mary: Went through some stretching as we talked Announcements.

Quick Note from the Q: I often find I have pain during or after running that typically go away. A big part of this has to do with no warmup and cooldown. I purposely (and selfishly) tried to integrate more warmup and a cool down during our time.  I always tell myself I don’t have the time to spend on it and just need to get going for the miles.  I tried something different today by integrating the cool down into our announcement time. It was a great opportunity for Skid to share his thoughts/connection on the Run for Dedee 5K, while we all appropriately stretched our muscle groups.  All this to say, Find time for the pre/post run work. It will lead to better things, speed, injury prevention, etc…

Announcements: ATT Run 2/22; Standing 2F Thursday’s at Lowes Foods @ 530; Run for Dedee 5K begining of April at Sugg Farm See Skidmark for details
T-Claps (Recognition): All Pax for sticking with me this morning. I wasn’t sure how the turnout would be and I was excited to see 14 heads as I came back from the John!
Prayer: Sick Families (UTI’s), All those going through Addiction, Pikachu’s Wife who is dealing with Back Pain

Prison Yard Debut 2/13

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Pax of 8 got stronger for the official debut of The Prison Yard

Dauber, Double D, Sprinkler, Ball Drop, Banana Seat, New Mexico, and FedEx with Breach on the Q

Warm Up: Jog around the parking lot then circle up for 22 rep count of SSH, Frakeinsteins, Imperial Walkers/Hillbillies and Good Mornings.

The Workout:

6 Sets of 3 Exercises with 15 seconds of rest between each set

Set 1 ( 15 Squats, 15 Merkins, 15 Mountain Climbers )

Set 2 (12 Shoulder Taps, 12 Plank Jacks, 12 Up and overs)

Set3 (12 Thrusters, 12 Lunge jumps, 12 Biceps Curls with the pain sticks)

Set 4 (15 V-ins, 15 LBC’s, 15 WWII’s)

Set 5 (10 Irkins, 10 Dirkins, 10 Dips)

Set 6 (Start with 6 burpees and increase 1 burpee each set)

Announcements: Double D mentioned the Appellation trail opportunity Check slack for details)

Prayer: Go out and be kind to people, prayers for Fram as his wife as they get ready to welcome thier new daughter to the world.