Monday through Wednesday started out at my former UC Davis Wrestling Teammates training center in Sacramento, California. Urijah Faber for those of you, who do not follow the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, is one of the more popular and well-respected fighters in the industry.  He is known for his unparalleled work ethic, tenacity, and heart among today’s vicious athletes.  He invited me to come down to train at his gym Ultimate Fitness not too far from my house.  After 3 months in the Big Brother House I was not prepared for the grueling 3 practices per day.  If anybody would whip me back into fighting form, it would definitely be this spark plug, “The California Kid” himself.

On Friday, after all that training Urijah, Virgil, Tommy and myself all took flights down to Los Angeles to catch the UFC fights and blow off some steam.   Wrestling teaches mental and physical toughness and creates friendships that last forever.  All of us were former teammates at UC Davis, and we remain a close-knit group.   For me, it was also a chance to check in with the big man himself, my pops.

At the fights Urijah and I had front row ring seats, so that made the show more enjoyable.  However, I was disappointed with the judges scoring the Machida vs. Shogun fight.  I think Shogun was unjustly robbed.  After the fights, we made our way to Wonderland in Los Angeles where our table was filled with a who’s who of Hollywood and MMA.  From Chuck Liddell, JJ, Rob Dyrdek, Lydia, Urijah, many others we had best table in the house without a question.  At our table and leading the charge was Chip Jordan who took care of Urijah and myself the whole weekend.  His hospitality and generosity were unparalleled and is the reason he is such a popular favorite in the industry to be around.  I do not know if Chip has a single bad trait, other than his propensity to show his friends the best time possible, every single minute they are around him.

The next morning as Chip called it was “SSS” short for “Shit Show Sunday”.  He rallied the troops and we made our way to the Saddleranch and spent most of the day making fun of “Big Time Brian” as well as reliving the madness from the night before.  Urijah and myself took a quick exit during the ruckus to go say hello to our former Davis Wrestling Coach Mark Munoz who was holding a fundraiser.

Monday was recovery mode for me.  I made my way home barely hanging on for life after the crazy partying I endured from the past 3 nights.  It is always weird when I go home.  I am no longer the big man on campus; instead I am still Russell Jr. the little troublemaker.   Some things never change.  They yell at me to do my dishes and my dad makes me do pointless chores that I still don’t understand around the house.  But, I just keep my mouth shut and do what he says because out of respect I dare not say a word.  My mom is always exciting and comforting to see.  She is a very shy lady and unlike my father who is also well spoken, loud, and intimidating she is the silent force to be reckoned with.  Her kindness and calm demeanor can sedate even the most aggressive and alpha personalities.  It truly is a gift.  I have never come home to an empty fridge.  Every single one of my favorite meals is cooked and ready to eat.  If there ever were a cooking show where husband and wife compete, my parents would own the competition.

I will be sure to keep you all posted on what goes on for Halloween and I am writing up my Steak and Guacamole recipes for those of you who are interested.  I am also planning some live chats so I will be sure to keep you all posted on the time and dates.  Take care and be safe this weekend!

Until Next time….

- Russell

This is my blog for all of you who enjoyed my flair for the theatrics on this summer’s Big Brother 11 on CBS.  First off, I would like to say thank you to everybody for the overwhelming support and love.  I hope in some way, I had you on the edge of your seat and laughing, while I went around the house playing the “villain”.  I must say it was a wild and crazy summer and I am looking forward to what is in store in the near future.

This blog is going have some pretty unique info: Diet tips, workout tips, my cooking recipes, up to date current events in “Life of ShotgunRussell” and much more.

If you have any other suggestions on what you want, feel free to let me know.

Thanks to all and remember…”If you are not smiling, you are not living”-Russell Kairouz