All Over the Place
Our day today was all over the place!
Since this was my dad’s first visit to our new house, he requested a morning walk around our new neighborhood around 7:30 a.m. The weather was cooler than usual and Sadie was extra chipper, so we were all in the mood for a nice family fun walk and loved his idea!
Look who decided to be twins…
The bean boys! Aren’t they cute?
My sister and I didn’t get the matching memo…
We went on a leisurely 30-minute walk around the neighborhood before heading home to immediately head back out for something very special.
Tas-T-O’s Donuts
Tas-T-O’s Donuts!
Yeah, buddy.
Seven doughnuts for four people? Sounds about right.
We ate the doughnuts on the curb because we’re classy like that.
My favorite doughnuts were the glazed knot doughnut and the fritter that I had last week.
Though it sounds a bit like an oxymoron, these doughnuts are incredibly light. I feel like I could down five of them without batting an eye.
Ocala Gun Range
After breakfast (round one), we drove about 25 minutes to the gun range where my dad, sister and Ryan fired at some targets.
My sister and mom got their concealed weapons permits a couple of weeks ago, and my dad has been hunting for years. It was my first time visiting a gun range and I was really, really uneasy at first.
I didn’t shoot a gun myself and preferred to just watch the others. I want to take a concealed weapons class to get my own permit and learn more about guns and gun safety before I feel comfortable shooting a gun myself.
My dad and Ryan hit the targets time after time and my dad got several bulls eyes!
I finally calmed down and stopped feeling so antsy after about 25 minutes. Everyone at the gun range was very safety-conscious and respectful which helped me feel better about the place.
I guess I was just a little thrown off because I expected gun ranges to be much more regulated. I always thought you would have to show an ID to a ranger or something in order to fire a gun, but you can just pull up to the range and shoot. Though there is 24-hour surveillance, I still felt like it was kind of crazy and a little too unregulated.
We spent about an hour at the gun range before driving back. My dad suggested stopping for breakfast (round two!) so we pulled over at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant for some eggs.
I ordered two dippy eggs, home fries and whole wheat toast.
Perfect-o.
Back in a bit with more recaps! 
OMG You got me wanting eggs and donuts!! loveee the color your blue TOP! totally suits you!
Carrie
[Reply]
I am the same way at gun ranges. My dad has taken me a couple times, and I have always felt that it is a little too informal to handle loaded weapons, but luckily, I have also been around a respectful, calm crowd.
Sweet and Savvy
[Reply]
I think a gun range would have me feeling a little uneasy too! I don’t even know if we have them here in Canada. Much less intimidating is the looks of those donuts… yummm!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
[Reply]
Those doughnuts look so good!
Looks like you had a fun day so far!! 
Shannon
[Reply]
I’ve been considering taking a course to learn to shoot a handgun & getting a concealed carry permit – not necesarily for safety, but because I think it would be interesting, more than anything else!
Liz
[Reply]
Quick Q: is there a particular reason that your mom and sis decided to get their permits? Just wondering
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
my dad hunts and has guns in our family’s house, so they thought it would be a good idea.
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Looks like a fun and tasty day!
Maria
[Reply]
Cute blue top!! I love it-where is it from?
I don’t love donuts but those pics are making me want some now….thanks girl
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
lululemon!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Doughnuts would never hold me over until lunch either, which is part of the reason I pass on them when they’re around me! I can pretty much eat a day’s worth of calories in doughnuts and still be hungry an hour later haha.
I kind of want to try a shooting range, but I’ve never heard of a range that isn’t more regulated. Probably because the ones around here are all indoors? But I would probably be as uncomfy as you in the same situation!
Shaya (Eye Girl Eats)
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
that’s what my dad said. he told me he thought i’d be a lot more comfortable at an indoor range.
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
I totally agree w/ you about the “lightness” of donuts- whenever I get munchkins from Dunkin Donuts, I feel like I could pop them into my mouth until an entire bag is gone! Like you, I would have felt way too uneasy to shoot a gun as well- I’m so paranoid I probably would have hid inside haha!
Mallory @ It’s Only Life, After All
[Reply]
a) you are adorable.
b) i miss you
c) i am glad you shared your experience with the gun range. Nicholas and I were just talking the other day about how I’ve never held a gun, and to think of it, i’m not sure if I’ve ever held anything that was intended as a weapon. I’m quite certain I would be just as uneasy as you were at first at the range, but maybe it’s something I should consider experiencing at some point.
d) i also dont think i’ve ever held a lazer gun or paint ball gun.
e)maybe I’m a hippie.
f)
Heather
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
what about a super soaker?
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Heather Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
hahah. yes. i’ve used a super soaker. i think.
Heather
[Reply]
AHH I went to the shooting range in California last weekend!! It was such a cool experience, though it was definitely SUPER regulated- they went through each step and told you how to hold it and there were about a thousand rules to remember. I’d be a little nervous about a wide open range like that too though!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
[Reply]
I get nervous around guns but my boyfriend and his brothers are really into collecting and shooting. I’m still not at a point where I’ll allow a gun in our house, and I do understand that my fear probably comes from lack of understanding and knowledge.
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups
[Reply]
Haha, love the family outfit! And oh my gosh, these donuts!!! Yumm!
Gen
[Reply]
I think going to a shooting range would be a really good stress reliever once becoming more familiar with it but I’m with you–I am very uneasy around guns. I have actually never even shot a bb gun. Getting a concealed weapon permit and taking a class sounds like a great idea!
Donuts are so tasty but they never keep me full! Wahh! lol.
Abby @ Abz ‘n’ Oats
[Reply]
Those donuts look amazing!
I’m the same way around gun ranges. I have been to both an outdoor range (although it was really a giant field on property owned by a friend) and an indoor range. The indoor range actually made me more nervous. It was small and I felt like there was a greater chance I could get shot, haha.
Holly
[Reply]
I’m so jealous! Of everything.
Still ugly in Raleigh. Miss you! xo.
Mama
[Reply]
I actually do want to go shooting!
Sana
[Reply]
i usually hate anything with cooked apples – prefer to eat them raw as is. UNTIL I tried an apple fritter. Those things are AMAZING!!!
shana
[Reply]
I’m Canadian so my perspective on guns is very different than my American counterparts. Even though I grew up in rural Ontario, surrounded by people who were big hunters, I was in my early 20′s before I held or fired a gun and I was in Australia when I did so. I understand and respect that people collect guns, use them to hunt and in my neck of the woods, use them to protect their livestock against wild animals, but I do not and never think I will understand people that carry guns for the sake of carrying guns as the concealed weapon permit insinuates they do. Do those with concealed gun permits carry guns as weapons of self-defense? And what kind of rules surround that. It all seems too easy to me. I’m sorry but it makes my skin crawl and it makes me not want to walk around American streets.
Shady
[Reply]
I feel the same way about the gun range. My family has been hassling me to start shooting but I just don’t feel comfortable with it yet. I completely support people who choose to take advantage of their rights but i don’t think I am emotionally prepared for that.
stevie
[Reply]
Yum! donuts sounds soo good right now! Those look fab
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
[Reply]
Hello, I’m agree Shady above. I’m from Australia and we have laws preventing anyone carrying a handgun or any kind of semi automatic gun.
I was in the US recently and some guys from work went to try out some handguns (as it impossible here) – no license, no nothing, in they went. Question from the gun range assistant “would you like a diamond or a human target to practice on?”. Yikes – scares the life out of me!
Frieda
[Reply]
Julie, I totally understand your uneasy feeling. I was uncomfortable around guns, even when I first entered the police academy. You do get used to them the more you deal with them. Knowledge of guns takes the fear away. They are only as dangerous as the person using them, so if you gain the knowledge, you will be able to approach them safely. They are a regular part of my life now, being a police officer, married to a police officer. I do feel it is important to learn to use them. The world can be a crazy place and it is good to know how to protect yourself, although hopefully you will never have to.
Nicole G
[Reply]
My boyfriend took me shooting for the first time last week, however I ended up just watching to get a feel for it before shooting myself. We’re hoping to go back sometime soon so I can actually shoot. He owns two guns and keeps them in our apartment, so he thought it was a good idea that I learn how to shoot one just in case I need to use it one day (lets hope to God I do not).
Katie
[Reply]
My hubby tries to make me shoot a gun (we have two and he wants me to be able to defend myself) but the first time I went to an indoor range I cried from the noise. haha. I actually think an outdoor range is easier on the ears, but they are less regulated than the inside ones. Shooting is fun though as long as the noise doesn’t scare you too bad! your little fam is too cute!
mel
[Reply]
I went skeet shooting for the first time this winter…totally terrifying but ended up being a lot of fun. Maybe it was the idea of shooting a clay circle up in the air instead of straight ahead at a “target”?
Haley
[Reply]
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
i think i would enjoy that more as well.
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers
[Reply]
I had my first gun range experience recently too and I felt so much anxiety! I even tried shooting my husband’s gun, but it was all just too much for me growing up in a super liberal, anti gun family. I’ve opened my mind a lot about other people shooting, and living in the house with a gun, but I still don’t like to be around it or shoot it myself.
Ari @ Ari’s Menu
[Reply]
Haha u pull the best goof-face all the time!! Donuts are either really bad or really good to me – they must be fresh, still warm and not fried in shortening (stick to the roof of my mouth) to be considered awesome. Is home fries, just sauteed potatoes?
Cecilia
[Reply]
Laura@ Backstage Balance Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
I thought that sounded familiar when I read that! Lol!
Laura@ Backstage Balance
[Reply]
loveeee the subtle Pauly D reference
Gillian @ That’s G
[Reply]
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
ha! glad you noticed.
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers
[Reply]
I just went to the gun range on Friday with my husband! I was nervous at first too but then it got easier…and FUN!
Alaina
[Reply]
I was really uneasy about and around guns for a long time. I knew to many people that had lost their lives to a gun accident. When Wes and I started dating (over 4.5 years ago) he knew of my fear it has taken this long for me to hold and fire a firearm. He taught me first that guns do not kill people but people kill people. He showed me how to always check the safety and to make sure that a round isn’t chambered. I finally got the nerve to shoot a Ruger P89 9mm handgun. It scared the tar out of me. I now have a better respect for firearms and do continue to practice at the range. Wes and I are saving up so I can get a Ruger LC9. Though I’m in no hurry.
OMG, those doughnuts looked amazing!!!! I was drooling as I read that part of the post.
Melissa
[Reply]
Shady Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
While I agree that people kill people, I would also argue that people carrying guns are much more likely to kill people than those without one. I do respect firearms and I don’t need to be shooting them routinely to have that respect. But I don’t respect people who carry them as concealed weapons because regardless of your training, you’re still just a person with a potentially lethal weapon and no one, not even the person carrying it, will know how you will react in a situation that may ‘require’ its use.
Shady
[Reply]
Jenn Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
I suppose policeman shouldn’t carry guns either because, “regardless of your training” it is not a good idea. According to you, Shady, that is.
I believe in the right to carry arms, I’m a single woman, and I will not be caught unarmed in a bad situation. EVER.
Jenn
[Reply]
Shady Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Police officers are a different breed. Comparing them to a laymen is a moot point.
I don’t believe in the right to bear arms. I think the whatever American document has that institutionalized in it is wrong. Don’t the statistics show that those bearing arms are more likely to kill a loved one than to ever kill an ‘enemy’.
And finally, I’m a single woman. I’ve lived in Canada’s biggest city and worked in some of that city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. I’ve also travelled extensively overseas in developing countries alone. And I have never been in a situation where I found myself thinking I wish I was packing heat right now.
Shady
Jenn Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Nope, statistics do not show that at all, but nice try.
And that is wonderful you have never felt that need, wonderful. However, it’s your right not to carry, just as it is my right to carry. Except maybe in Canada, I don’t know about their laws and never plan on living there, EVER. So I guess I don’t have to worry!
Jenn
Ellen Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:57 am
I have to agree with shady,
The U.S. gun laws are pretty relaxed and it is a sad state one is living in when they feel they need something as dangerous as a gun to protect themselves. Have you ever heard of pepper spray? What area of the states do you live in ? Just curious because I never want to go there.
Oh, and have you ever heard of a movie called Bowling for Columbine? Watch it.
Ellen
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:05 am
i agree that US gun laws are too relaxed. but since they are what they are and my dad hunts and has a gun in our family’s home, i personally want to take a weapons course to simply learn about gun safety and feel more comfortable. i do not plan to carry a gun on me and i do have pepper spray – right beside my bed in my nightstand. i obviously would feel MUCH more comfortable using pepper spray in a dangerous situation. gun laws and regulations are always controversial. i think everyone needs to make decisions that they feel most comfortable with given the current laws and regulations in their state or country.
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Ellen Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:15 am
I understand where you are coming from, and like you said the topic of arms is very controversial. Having guns for the purpose of gaming is not the same as having a gun for self-defense. Having guns properly kept in ones home (trigger locked, stored in locker etc) is different then carrying one around in your purse with the intention of using it for self defense. My main concern is when guns fall into the wrong hands i.e children and criminals. But anyways like you said it’s very controversial and everyone will have a different opinion.
Ellen
[Reply]
Very hip on the shooting range and indeed go get your permit! I have been in the woods since I was knee high, and my pops got my sister out there hunting the last few years as well. I know there are many people who hate guns, but I dont like to beat a dead bush..but people kill people, not guns. So congrats and looks like a great weekend
Nathan Miller
[Reply]
I did riflery at summer camp, so I’ve always been comfortable shooting rifles – I think it’s so fun and I’ve been dying to go to a range! However, I do have to say that even handguns freak me out. Rifles and big and cumbersome, but hand guns are so small and can easily be knocked or pointed in any direction! those freak me out…
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats
[Reply]
We were in Destin for vacation and there is this place called the Donut Hole; their donuts are huge and to die for, especially their Red Velvet cake ones, which they are known for; so moist!
Marie
[Reply]
Woah! Your recap of the trip to the shooting range surprised me. I am also uneasy around firearms… I’ve just never really gone shooting or hunting, and concealed carry until recently has been illegal in my state, so I’m not used to people having them around.
It’s funny, now that concealed carry is legal, I feel like more people might have guns on them at all times, and that makes me feel nervous. But I really don’t want to get a gun for my household, and if I do – I’d do what you mentioned you’d feel most comfortable with – taking a class, learning about the weapons and safety with them, and then learning how to use them.
Laura @ Backstage Balance
[Reply]
I think you should have a subtitle saying Expect the Unexpected! Definitely didnt imagine seeing a blog w/ a family outing to a shooting range — but loved it! I have quite a few family members that are hunters (midwesterner here!) but the only thing I’ve ever shot was a paintball gun!
jennyv
[Reply]
I would definitely feel uncomfortable at a gun range- but my dad has hunted forever and has a pistol permit so I have grown up around guns my whole life. I know he is safety conscious, but you never know about other people there.
Ali @ Ali Runs
[Reply]
Guns make me super, super nervous. That’s wonderful that your mom and sister got their concealed weapons licenses. I just don’t think I personally would feel safe with a gun in the house (or my purse!) My dad never hunted, so I’ve never been around guns. Maybe that’s why they make me so nervous? Either way, neat post!
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries
[Reply]
Totally know what you mean about the shooting range. My 14-year-old brother has turned my yard into his own shooting range! He doesn’t have a real gun, but they’re still pretty intimidating. I definitely stay far away!!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill
[Reply]
Shooting is kind of cool – it’s like any other skill that you practice. It requires a lot of focus and precision…kind of like yoga.
(yes, I just compared shooting a handgun to yoga.)
As part of a gun safety class, you have to actually shoot a gun. But you’d be with a certified NRA instructor who would help you out a lot.
Victoria (District Chocoholic)
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
yeah that’s exactly what i’m looking for – someone educated and trained to teach and inform!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Oh my gosh that knot fritter looks absolutely incredible. And SO jealous you got to go to the shooting range!! I’m DYING to do that once in my life!
Cait’s Plate
[Reply]
Oh boy, I haven’t had a doughnut in forever, and I think I need one NOW after seeing those photos! Yum!
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries
[Reply]
Girl! Where do you find the energy/time?!!!
Catherine ‘T’
[Reply]
Matt and I love the Ocala gun range! I was uneasy at first too, but now I think it’s fun!
Emilia
[Reply]
I would totally feel the same way at a shooting range. Shouldn’t there at least be someone supervising?! Oh well, safety first…maybe not!
Also, donuts are the best. My favorite is the glazed one with chocolate frosting and sprinkle. The crunchiness is AWESOME!
Happy Sunday!
Gina @ Will Run for Cupcakes
[Reply]
I recently completed 2 handgun courses at Gander Mountain Academy (I live in WI – there is one in FL)…they have courses just for women – a great intro to the SAFETY and getting comfortable with a firearm. The instructors are super-professional and because it’s all women in the class, I felt way more comfortable asking all of my questions. At the end of the beginner course I told the instructor that I had always been so afraid of guns and having more knowledge made me feel safer and much more informed. They have you practice at a virtual range so I still haven’t used a live gun. I am super-competitive so now for me it’s about practicing technique and getting comfortable.
Nicole
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
we have a gander mountain in ocala! i’ll look into that class. thanks for the info!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
My BF got a Living Social deal for a shooting range—I opted out of that fun adventure ; )
Also, I think your family and I would get along fabulously. Seven doughnuts for four people? On the curb? Your people are so my people.
Hillary
[Reply]
I’ve been to a gun range with some cops–fun times, I shot well, but you’re right about the lack of regulation. Evidently a woman around here who was going through a divorce went to one to blow off steam and wound up taking the entire range hostage for something like 10 hours.
Joe @ The Frolicking Fells
[Reply]
Gotta admit, I love going to the gun range! I used to go with my Dad when I lived at home. When I was in Indian Princesses (<–haha!) we learned how to shoot bebe guns. (not sure if they still do that)
I think it's really good to know how to shoot a gun, just in case. I know that sounds kind of scary, but God forbid anything happen.
That knot donut looks AWESOME!
Oh & I love that last picture of you & Ryan- so so cute!!
Holly
[Reply]
I’ve never been to a gun range but I have shot a gun. My best friend is a hunter and let me shoot his rifle at clay targets and at a paper target. I missed both. Perhaps that tells me I shouldn’t fire a weapon.
Cynthia (It All Changes)
[Reply]
Yes, take the concealed weapons class. Even if you don’t plan on carrying a gun, it is a good class to take. And as far as having the gun range be more regulated, is a member of your family a member there? That is odd that no one had to show an id or anything. I go to a gun range with my dad but he is a member there, or we go to a different place where you have to show id and they keep records, etc.
Holly @ The Runny Egg
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 11:56 am
nope. no one is a member. i felt like it was WAY too unregulated!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
My husband took me to an outdoor shooting range back when we were dating and I remember thinking the same thing. I was floored by the lack of “security.” There were no partitions and people were literally just firing right next to each other. The shells from the guy next to us were flying in the air and kept hitting me in the head. It was a freaky experience and it scared the heck out of me. Guns just make me uncomfortable!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
[Reply]
i love your family, julie! we are lucky as well to have both of our families close by. it’s so fun to spend quality time together.
those donuts look just as mouth watering as last time…
kathleen @ the daily crumb
[Reply]
I have a .38, a Ruger, all ready to go for its first practice at the range…after I have a baby! Due date is tomorrow. Bought the gun, found a concealed carry class and was all set to go, then learned I was expecting. Was too worried that the sound of a gun going off would scare my unborn baby!
Shady, this blog is a very positive place. Please be respectful, particularly since this isnt even your country! Thanks very much!
Megan
[Reply]
I’m not a donut person at all but those have really spurred a craving. When I was younger and nutrition meant zilch to me, I used to eat a glazed donut at least every day at school…good times
!
Khushboo
[Reply]
Ouch guns are evil! You have now been removed from my RSS feed…
John
[Reply]
Tiffany Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 11:39 am
Get a grip John. Guns are evil? That’s absurd. People are evil. And you can kill people with a ballpoint pen. Are pens evil?
Tiffany
[Reply]
I have a phobia with guns, I hate them, they freak me out! Go you for being so brave! Hate that ppl are deleting ur blog bc of your gun post. How silly, have a great week! Ps the banana pancakes rock!
Stacey
[Reply]
I love going to the range. I actually went yesterday with my dad too. Everyone in my family has their concealed weapons permit and my fiance and I keep a 9mm at our house (unloaded).
I think the more you are around guns and have to proper education, the more comfortable you feel. I still, to this day don’t feel super comfortable. But I think that’s good. Because if you’re too relaxed, then accidents can happen.
My dad runs through the rules every single time we shoot. As long as people respect the rules and gun safety, then I do not see a problem with them, and think it’s actually a really fun hobby to have. It’s also a great way for my dad and I to spend time together.
Taylor @ Delish World
[Reply]
#1) I can’t believe people are unfollowing your blog because of this post. That sucks and you don’t deserve that.
#2) As for being afraid of them, it’s really good that you realize it’s because of lack of knowledge. And take an NRA course, they’re well designed and the instructors are great. The more you know and the more you handle a weapon, the more comfortable and safe you will feel and be. The fact of the matter is that the safeness or unsafeness of any weapon depends entirely on the person wielding it. And a properly unloaded weapon is more dangerous as a projectile than as a gun.
#3) Shady, get lost.
#4) The de-regulation of a firing range is only a matter of perception. There are certain rules that are understood at every firing range and the expectation is that the onus is on the owner of the range itself to enforce them. Respecting and maintaining the firing line, holding firing lanes, reloading and retrieving targets…the expectation is that as a gun owner, you can safely handle your own weapon and know and respect the rules of the range.
The fact of the matter is that it’s your responsibility to safely handle your own weapon and that if you screw up, in the range or on the street, you will be charged and prosecuted.
Tiffany
[Reply]
Ooo fun! I want to go to a hand gun shooting range but i dont think they have them in NY… at least not in the nyc vacinity.
Laura @ Unchartered 20s
[Reply]
My boyfriend and his family go to the shooting range too! I’ve never been before and am kind of nervous, guns scare me, but I want to give them a try. Its something they enjoy so much and I don’t want to be the debbie downer.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
[Reply]
I can relate to this big time!
I recently went shooting for the first time with my hubby and in laws out in the middle of nowhere. I was really uneasy about it at first and wasn’t sure if I’d shoot…I ended up enjoying it, but I had butterflies in the stomach the entire time!
Shari
[Reply]