Christmas cooking with my cousin was so much fun. I enjoyed that he and his friends liked the venison that I had prepared 2 days earlier. The meat itself was well seasoned and had a decent amount of pepper. I had people of all ages and ethnicity enjoying themselves. I am well known for eating insanely spicy food, but this one was different. It had a light spice that could only come from a heavy addition of pepper initially, but boiled out so that the heat is fused into the meat and not into the sauce. The sauce mesh is what restaurants do - they coat their plain cooked meat with a spicy sauce.
The first secret santa hosted by Blizz was a great success. I had so much fun hanging out with all of my friends and their wives. I am really glad that my gift was enjoyed by the recipient. I prepared a speech for everyone that I hope conveyed my emotion for having them in my life. I had no idea who all were going to be in attendance and I wanted to give everyone there a personal touch. I had to read it because if I had not done so, I probably would have teared up or not been able to make it through. I am the most happy when I am surrounded with my friends.
I spent New Years Eve with the Keesee's. Alcohol really brings people together. I enjoyed my first game of dodge beer. I ended up sleeping in their recliner next to most of the participants of the game. Truly one of the most fun nights I have had.
New year and new beginnings. No smoking! I have stopped smoking all the fucking time. At first I started smoking once a week - social gatherings, parties. Then, it shifted into 2 times a week, after work, everyday, while I drank, after I drank. It ended up at smoking whenever I wasn't doing anything. Soon it became smoking first and planning everything in between them. I have tried to quit many times before and failed. I have made my mind up to quit permanently. Very rarely will I ever smoke. I will never buy a pack again.
I have taken a small hiatus from the gym. I have decided to catch up on this eating thing I have been so concerned about for years. I do still watch what I eat. When my Dad returns, I will hit the gym every time I get a chance. Must buy more under armour!
I have offered advice to my friends and family who are trying to get in shape. Only a few have taken what I have said into practice. Jeff and I are planning to make big gains this year. I am going to lean up with some fearsome muscle and strength that will withstand age and sedentary lifestyle. I am taking Team Extreme Conditioning all the way to the top. I just hope he can keep up. He has been doing an okay job so far, but I have scared him away with some recent exercises.
