Happy New Year!!!

Cheers to the end of a great year full of many wonderful memories and accomplished goals. Congratulations to Brandon and Allyson for passing their yellow belt test. "Way to go, we are so proud of you two. You both have worked so hard and we love you so much."

It is now time to get back to busting my tail, eating better and getting back down to a good weight. I am currently weighing in at 180, which is about 20 pounds that I don't regret gaining over the holidays. The food was good, but now it is time to get back down to around 165 so I can cut the rest off pretty easily when competition comes around.

There is another Hayastan Grappling Challenge come June, so as of right now I am going to take my time in getting in to tip top conditioning shape and at the right weight. The conditioning is what hurt me last time around and I will not let that happen again. I have started back training after taking a couple weeks off for Disney and the holidays. My first two practices were tough and I was about an inch away from hurling both times. I guess that is what I get for stuffing my face. After being quite dissapointed with how quickly you can get out of shape, I started to run 2-3 miles every morning to get back on track. Since our normal gym shut down and we are waiting for the new one to open, I have no other choice but to run outside. "I want the treadmill!!!!!!" The treadmill is so good because I can hike up the speed and run straight uphill which can get you in better shape in no time.

Congrats to Padraic (Paddi), who trains with us at Seven Owl. He went to corner a friend for an MMA event out in Arkansas and when the venue had a fighter not able to fight due to an injury, they asked Paddi to fight. Needless to say, the training we endure at Seven Owl has proved superior over all fighters in Arkansas. Paddi, who had planned to fight an MMA event in the near future, wasn't expecting a 30 minute preparation time. One of his friends ran to Wal Mart to get him a cup (jockstrap) and a mouth piece. He then borrowed a pair of shorts and went to battle, beating the mess out of the guy in less than 35 seconds (Ground and Pound referee stoppage). It was the most exciting fight of the night and it was so exciting, Paddi was invited back next month for a title shot in the 155 pound weight class. We are going to help him train hard so he can go back there and get the job done and bring home a belt.

I am so proud of Paddi because I know how hard he works and his dedication. He deserves great things and I learn a lot from Paddi's style of fighting. He has a bright future and the determination to become something great. "We wish you the best, brother!!!"

I guess I can't leave without telling you my new years resolution. Besides Aimee and I's business goals of reaching the limitless sky, or training to be a feared fighter in the cage, my new years resolution is to do whatever it takes to make my pregnant wife happy. Yes, I am going to be a Daddy. Disney sure was magical :) Aimee and I are so pumped up and excited that we will be proud parents of either Seth Thomas or KayLeigh Ann in September of this year. I love you Aimee!!! :-)