Key's Martial Arts Academy

The couch made a stop out in Mchenry, IL to see some of the Team members going to Nationals from Key's Martial Arts Academy. You could feel the talent in the room with these kids. If you doubted that there was some serious skills here, all you had to do was look at the trophy collection (there were two that were taller than I was)...this place doesn't mess around. Key's has a bunch of different classes for all ages. When I was there I saw little kids kicking and punching away and by the time I left, there were older folks coming in for Aikido (it sounded like I may get hurt so I skiddadled) lol.

I heard some stories and saw some videos online about the students here at Key's. There is a respect that these kids have that most kids these days do not have. It was refreshing to see that. In return, they gain respect from others. One of the passions that the members of Key's Martial Arts share is the stopping of Bullying in schools. After seeing these kids in action... I wouldn't want to mess with them.

With the issues that I have had with the new couch, I may be interested in checking out thier self defense classes so the couch can't take advantage of me anymore..

"YOUR NOT THE BOSS OF ME COUCH!"

P.A.D.S. of Mchenry Sleep Out

I met up with a group that I belong to, the Young Professionals of Mchenry, for a benefit for Homelessness Awareness. The event was hosted by PADS of Mchenry and was held in Crystal lake. Participants at the event raised donations and then slept outside in make shift shelters, tents, or in the elements for the experience of being homeless.

The couch got some attention right away. We brought it through the parking lot and hopped the curb then BLEW a wheel off the back of it. I half assed attached the wheels on this one and they didn't last 300 feet! Luckly, the couch was able to limp over to the event area. Once there, it didn't take long for people to come over and see what the deal was. As ussual, randoms had to sit on the couch...it is just that inviting! One guy just shook my hand and said "nice couch". It was very random.

Star 105.5 FM was at the event also. The morning guy, Joe Cicero, came over and was pretty excited about the couch. He and Ryan Wild, the night guy, were at the event for the night. It was cool to talk Joe for a while and he even posted pictures on the 105.5 site!


After the event at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake, our group headed out to Mchenry where we would be sleeping for the night. Kari, owner of Camp Bow Wow Mchenry, offered her front yard as a sleeping ground for us.


We had a few people sleep in boxes, one person on a flat box, a tent, and a guy on a couch. It was a nice mix. Luckly, years ago I purchased a sleeping bag that was rated for 30 degree weather. When the low that night hit 33, I was tucked in nice and tight. I slept pretty well concidering I was on a couch outside and about 40 feet from a busy road. There was also a gas station across the street that lit the night up pretty well.

The sleep out was a good time. Our group raised about $700 and we really bonded that night. The couch got some nice attention too. It was an interesting experience and it really made me appreciate what I have.