Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the suggestions.

Fatigue was not a problem for me, it was the recoil beating me up all day that finally did it... I couldn't make a fist for several hours. (whine)

I think I can handle .45 for practice, but now that I think about it, when we did "point and shoot" (???I think that's what it's called), the blast going up in my face was tolerable for practice, but I'm thinking in a stressful situation, it could be a bit much. Plus, my uh, *flinch* issue will probably rear it's ugly head if I'm already in near freak-out mode.

So, maybe .45 is cool for practice (and for fun

), but I guess I should try something smaller for carry.
hmmmm....so many choices.....how's a woman supposed to pick just one?
"hollow points...are a girl's best friend...." heehee

(sorry, lame joke mode off)