Imagine a big, carpeted room with a large circle of tape in the middle of it.

In the circle are sweaty, straining men. Not a very pretty picture, is it?

This was the "guy's time" at the CRU Winter Retreat last weekend. First we had a free-for-all everyone-for-himself competition, and then they divided us up into groups of four.

Everyone was supposed to have at least one knee down at all times, unless you were yarding on someone, of course. The goal was to stay inside the circle. And during the group matches, if any one member was thrust outside, the whole team bit the dust. Thus, it behooved us to stay together.

It was a war!

My concept of camaraderie was refreshed and heightened, because in the second group match, I was under heavy attack, my body being yanked and tugged (to gentle of a word) all over the place. The only way I stayed in was holding on with all my strength to our biggest member. If it wasn't for him, I would've been out quickly. I desperately needed him in this battle. I couldn't have made it without him.

Our team ended up being eliminated in the middle of both matches, but I came away with camaraderie and accountability fresh on my mind. Those things, and several rug burns.

Abruptly changing the subject.

I'm almost speechless after perusing this website. Here's an example of the stuff these folks write about. I'm shaking my head.

Santa's Evil!

I mean, it's not good to lie to your children about Santa, but...this...?