As I see it. Where Absurd and Impractical meet you find Tactical.
Seriously people where will it end? I served in the military, I know the gear, but this latest "Tactical" craze is rapidly spiraling out of control. At my last trip to the local sporting goods store I found the best, or worst, example yet. The new Mossberg 464 Tactical Lever action. Okay, can I quote Vince Lombardi, "What the hell's going on out there!". A tactical lever gun, in 30-30? Any lever gun is fast handling and practical for hunting or defense as is, but to put a multiple position stock and accessory rails on a 30-30 should be illegal, or at least openly mocked by those of us with functioning brains. I can't blame the folks at Mossberg, hell their just cashing in on your dumb-ass obsession with militarism. If you want a bunch of "tactical" gear do what I did, join up and earn it.  Until then I will leave you with a question, if I have camo underwear with braided para cord for a waist band would my Junk look tactical?

As I see it, You Get Half a Chance.
A man gets so few moments in his life to show his uniquely manly qualities to the world. Men void of war or adventure must actively seek these opportunities to prove themselves as a compleat man, and when the opportunity arises all of us must make the most of such opportunities. I have been blessed with just such an opportunity and feel obligated to share it with my fellow compleat men. Very soon I get to meet my little sisters new boy friend and not some BS high school boy-toy, this is her first "real" post high-school boyfriend. Now, I believe that it is written into my DNA to dislike the very existence of this young man, as he is attempting to corrupt my lovely baby sister. So how do I handle the first meeting? Should I scare and intimidate the little fella as we have seen done time and time again in movies? He is currently serving in the same branch of the military that I served in not 7 years ago; do I take the opportunity to intimidate him the way a senior NCO would?
Taking a moment to ask myself, what is the true spirit of the Compleat Man, and how would a Compleat Man handle this situation I have come to a simple realization. This young man deserves, at the very least, every opportunity to earn my approval, or the latter. Will I send a few well timed shots across his bow, of course, what man wouldn't. So, if by chance you should read this just know I am giving you a fare chance, but remember while you were still in grammar school I was a two time Golden Glove champ, and was pulling back to back "in country" deployments. (Okay, you get half a fare chance)

Stay Classy Sheridan.


   I love living in the west, always have and always will. Still there are things I can't get use to. I don't love that Wyoming seems to be the blue-jean capital of the world. Even when I lived in Montana I didn't see as guys out on the town in jeans as I do here. Its one thing if they are clean, pressed and the jeans you wear to meetings and church and so on, I get it we are in the west, but when you look like trash I have to wonder what you are thinking.
   Last night my family went out to dinner in Sheridan for an early Mother's day celebration. Among the crowd in one of Sheridan's better restaurants was one guy specifically, that really irritated me. No it wasn't the fruit in the skinny jeans. It was the 50-something guy in jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt. His family dressed up, at least what I would call dressed up for Sheridan, but he found it necessary to not sleeve it up for dinner. Call me crazy but could we "class it up", just a little. Maybe I'm off base, but does everybody think that "country" and "white trash" are interchangeable these days?
  Remember before you can stay classy, you need to get classy. Lets start today.

Time to Thank the Powers That Be.

In my short but illustrious career as a man I have seen the trends in women’s fashion change considerably. As a man I have taken it upon myself to be a keen observer of women’s fashion and I have seen the rise and fall of many garments. Some of them I don’t miss while others I wish would come back in style. I personally miss the Tube-Top. I remember as a young man in high school in the late 90’s Tube-Tops were all the rage and from first sight, I was smitten. Tube-Tops are a thing of the past now and since their descent into the underworld of fashion history I feared that nothing would replace them, but the Gods have smiled upon me once again. I would like to take a moment to give thanks, for Yoga Pants.  Who could have known that such a simple idea could bring so many, so much joy? The best thing about yoga pants (okay the second best thing) is how this wonderful creation has become acceptable beyond the yoga studio. I see them everywhere these days; from the gym to the college classroom to the store and in the bar. Women love them for comfort and convenience and men, well that’s obvious. So, I would like to take a moment to thank the Powers That Be for giving us all the gift of Yoga Pants.

Random Thoughts From The Compleat Man.

Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.  Nothing sucks more than when I’m arguing with my wife and realize I’m wrong. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger. There is great need for a sarcasm font. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? Was learning cursive really necessary? Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I know how to get out of my neighborhood. Bad decisions make good stories. Mmmmm Ham. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. I think the freezer deserves a light as well. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Beer than Kay. I wish my GPS had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important, witness the evolution of the species. Sometimes I think I’m hungry but really I’m just bored.  The only target I hit on the first shot every time is the snooze button. Ultra light beer is stupid, if you want abs, don’t drink beer. What sounds better, steak or Kate Upton?

Abby Normal's Wisdom

The Compleat Follow Through Man

    Have you ever wondered if you can truly take a man for his word? Chances are in this day and age that his mouth is moving, but nothing is coming out. You know the guy I’m referring to…the one who is constantly talking, but never actually accomplishing anything. He loves to brag and boast about his achievements but you can never quite catch him in the act of doing anything. Well, it’s time to become a follow through man. No one wants to be around a boy who constantly makes promises and never owns up to his vows. Stop running your mouth and get your arse in gear! If you say you’re going to help your buddy build fence or fix the truck…then get your gloves on and go to work…don’t leave him out there on his own. If you promised to meet your lady at her favorite restaurant for dinner at a certain time…set your alarm and show up a few minutes early. One of my biggest pet peeves is sitting around waiting on people! How rude! Believe me, my time is important too. Stop flapping your jaw and get it done. If you are unable to follow through in your personal life, then you can kiss that job of yours goodbye. Not many employers tolerate someone who can’t perform. Expect to be replaced quickly. It wasn’t that long ago when people would tell you they were going to do something and it would get done. Now, you may find yourself waiting around on people to do something at their convenience. That is the definition of total rudeness and disrespect to those who find themselves waiting on you. Not appropriate social etiquette in my book! How will you ever be able to run your own business when you have people expecting you to do what you say you will do? You must be able to follow through with your work and your intentions. Otherwise, someone else gets the business. So, before you decide to open that mouth of yours and make plans, remember that people count on that promise you made, so follow through with your actions. Don’t let them down. Your pride, honor, and respect ride on the simple fact that you can follow through with promises you make. If you say it, then be prepared to do it!

2012 Compleat Man Challenge. With the New Year comes the opportunity for a new you, but now that it’s April and all of your resolutions for 2012 have fallen flat and you’re back to cheeseburgers and beer and have given up on the gym; why not try something that will really benefit you? This is your opportunity to participate in the 2012 Compleat Man Challenge. All participants have 30 days from reading this to complete the following checklist. Time to Man up boys, enjoy. Learn how to tie the classic Windsor knot. Some of you might need to start with learning what a Windsor knot is, once you have conquered that hurdle, get a tie and practice. If you think you know how, get a tie and prove it. Build something with your hands. It really doesn’t matter what so long as you are using your hands, you know like a man would. Here are some basic ideas: tie some flies for the approaching summer, reload some ammo, or make your kid or your lady something special. Learn a new recipe. Cook, what? Hell ya. Real men know how to cook, at least the basics. Try something new, you don’t have to get crazy, try looking up all the ways you can cook with beer and whiskey. That way even if the recipe sucks, the rest of your night won’t. Start reading a new book. Trust me you do have the time. Check out the list of recommended reading on the blog. Compleatman.blogspot.com Call someone you can’t seem to find the time to call. Could be family or a friend, either way a simple phone call might make that person’s day. Help Someone Who Needs Help without being asked for it. Hold the door for someone; help a neighbor with yard work, anything to help someone out. Show some love to your ride. Sure it gets you to work every day but when was the last time you took care of you vehicle the way it takes care of you? Check the fluids, bump the tires, clean the glass, vacuum the interior and clean out all the trash. Trust me it’s time well spent. Last, give your lady something she is sure to love, your total attention. That’s right, time for you to shut up and listen to what she is talking about. She might thank you by tolerating your dumbass friends. If you don’t have a woman in your life, give your mom or grandma the same treatment. Act like and man and make changes in your life that make sense. Act like a man and start today. Have all these mastered already? Check out the advanced compleat man challenge on the blog site. compleatman.blogspot.com