Holy Daze.

Christmas is here. This is going to be a weird one for me. Previously Christmas was all about trying to normalize being a social outcast within my family. The one that everyone kind of liked, but never really figured out. Sort of like a nice person who barely speaks the same language as you. This year, it's mostly going to be our little family of three. We'll visit the in-laws for a while, but the kid has to get to bed, so it won't be the long late night of previous. I'm looking forward to it a lot.
It's strange, I feel more in touch with all of the meanings of the holidays this year: the passing of the darkest parts of winter (solstice) , the birth of the savior of mankind (Duh), hope and light when it should have run out long ago (Hanukkah). All of these thoughts/ideas run together. I can't really explain why, could be the kid. Could be that I'm on the shady side of my mid-30s and am more comfortable with myself and my mortality. I don't really know, but I wish you and yours salvation, hope, light, and quickly returning spring.

I lifted today, some deadlifts, rows and floor presses.. nothing earth shattering. I'm taking a break to have some treats for Christmas this weekend. My palate has changed so much that I don't think I'm going to indulge too much. I had part of a scone, and a couple cookies. I'll have a scone on Christmas morning.. some dessert here and there, and hop back on the wagon till Valentine's day.

I was awarded my purple belt on Wednesday. I had a long roll with the professor on Monday. I guess I really did impress. For me the belts mean less than the improvement in my game. I'm getting better, people have noticed, that feels good.

Mahalo.