changes, challenges and opportunity

The new, slimmer pitmaster

Well 2020 has been a year of changes, challenges and opportunity.  

In the changes department, we've moved to Midlothian VA to be closer to family and slow down the pace of life a little.  Of course, this means we are no longer hosting in person BBQ classes in Warrenton VA.  Big changes for sure, but in this case change is a good thing.  We've met new neighbors, found a ton of great small businesses and sources for BBQ meats and sides, and i won't even get started on the traffic or lack thereof.

The main challenge our move presented was figuring out a way to keep our BBQ School running.  We had to temporarily suspend our large group/in person classes in March, and with the relocation to Midlothian we've been trying to figure out how to continue sharing our knowledge and love of outdoor live fire cooking.  Thanks to a suggestion by Wounded Warrior Project LLP, we've developed the capability to conduct online class sessions.  So far, we've taught over 50 veterans remotely with another session scheduled for this month.  We've also opened up the syllabus to cover a wider range of foods, including seasonal sides, chili and even vegetarian options.  We are working on expanding our online offerings to regularly scheduled events, so please check in on our Facebook and Instagram pages for news on that.  We are also offering individual/one on one/small group (less than five) classes on a by request basis.  Contact me for details on what you'd like to do and we will make it happen.                                                     

As for opportunity, I've taken some initiative in my personal life to become a better version of myself.  After my dad passed away in August 2019 from a stroke at the age of 82, I decided it was time to take positive control over my lifestyle.  Rather than make extreme and unsustainable changes, I started small.   Eating a little healthier meant reducing red meat, dairy and other animal protein intake (I'm teaching a BBQ School here, so of course I still enjoy smoked meats just less frequently).  I quit consuming alcohol a few years ago so that helped a lot too.  I started doing some forms of physical activity every day.  Started with walking, I progressed to riding a heavy folding bicycle , then onto Peloton and finally to my vintage road bike.  The tally so far:  approximately 87 lbs lost from my all time high.  I feel this is the "real" me that was trapped inside an unhealthy and less than happy body.  If I can do this, still enjoy sharing what I've learned about BBQ and perhaps motivate someone else to achieve a better balance  in their life then mission accomplished.

OK that's it for now.  I've got classes scheduled the weekends of October 11-12 and October 18-19 so after that the schedule is free.  Get in touch and let me help you step up your outdoor cooking skills!