Monday, December 31, 2012

The All-Inclusive 2012 Year End Wrapathon

Due to my inability to sit down and actually blog about my life as I had promised a year ago, I figured the least I could do is do a year end wrap up. That's better than nothing right?

So let's begin where I left off:

In August, I held my Hunger Games Birthday Battle Royale! Oh it was amazing! This year I actually hired help, but I still had to handle much of the game. Luckily Nichole wasn't picked to play, so she was able to help me and Naqi run it. All my food was themed to game and guests had to use "arrows" to kill and eat. The game was a huge success with a minor hiccup. The game consisted of 16 players and four rounds: The Bloodbath (game cards scattered around the arena that determined Tributes' fates), The Careers (a ruthless game of Rock Paper Scissors), The Feast (a dice game to win what was needed most), and The Parachute Finale (Remaining Tributes picked from parachutes hung around the room that revealed either a helpful item or a bomb which eliminated them until one victor remained). The coolest part was after each round, I actually projected the player profiles of those who were eliminated followed by canon blasts! In the end, Kevin (dressed as Peeta) and his girlfriend (dressed as Katniss) remained and they attempted to eat some berries so that they could both be saved, but as the Gamemaker I forced them to continue till only one won! Kevin took home the grand prize.

In September, I completed 3 runs: The 80's Run 5K, Disneyland Half Marathon (back to back), and then the inaugural Tower of Terror 10 Miler. I ran my best half marathon at just under 2 and a half hours (2:28). I also got a good time on the 10 Miler, but running in Florida (even at night) was miserable! It was so hot and humid that it was hard to breathe at times and my clothes were soaked with sweat the entire run. I don't think I'll be running another race in Walt Disney World.

Speaking of Walt Disney World, at the end of September was my umpteenth trip. This time it was with Eric, Arthur, Karla, and Arthur's friends Kevin and Angie (who are awesome!). The trip did not provide rest and relaxation, but I love spending time with these people!

In this time past, I went from being Secretary of my HOA to President when Raj stepped down. It completely sucks and I've already given my notice that I will not be seeking another term after my term ends. I am also helping to establish the Neighborhood Watch for my street.

Book of Mormon blew through the Pantages for three months and while it was here I saw it 3 times! Love this show. Twice I won the lottery for front row seats.

I won a new Kindle Fire HD tablet from the ECHO campaign at work. The device satisfies my craving for an iPad for now, but it is in no way a recommendable device. It's got a lot of issues, but it was free, so whatever. Next year... iPAD!

I bought a Universal Studios pass (well I bought a day and it came with a year free) and used it to get cheap tickets to the Halloween Horror Nights, which was awesome! I went with Tim, Josh, and Seanethon. The main event this year was The Walking Dead. We were on the last tram tour for the night and found ourselves alone with a swarm of zombies! It was crazy!

Speaking of Halloween, this year I dressed as Glenn from The Walking Dead. It was from the scene in the first season where they chop up zombie and drape blood and guts and organs on themselves to sneak passed a zombie herd. It was also my first time going to the West Hollywood Halloween Parade in the slutty version of my costume. I went with Lindsey!

This Thanksgiving, my three year membership to 24 Hour Fitness expired and instead of keeping me as a member and offering me a good deal, they wanted to charge me nearly $50 a month. So I told them to shove it and went to LA Fitness with a really sweet deal. I prepaid for 3 years (~$22/month) and then after that it's only $16/month. They gave me a fitness assessment and pretty much told me I was doing everything wrong even though I've been seeing great results. So I told them to shove it and I'm just doing what I've been doing.

One thing I want to just touch up on but will blog about in more depth on a dedicated entry is my physique. This past year I've dieted like mad; extreme even. My eating turned to more healthy snacking verses actual meals. And once I dropped more than 20 pounds (from 158 to 137), I decided to really step up my workouts and go for big. So on October 21, I started taking Jack3d, a preworkout supplement and immediately saw amazing results. It helps that I've been at the gym 6-7 days a week really pushing myself. And I've been on it ever since. I can't wait to see how 2013 goes for my body.

Two other small notes that I just want to document. I went to my first Clipper game this year and they're having a hell of a season right now. And I saw the Cirque du Soleil show IRIS 3 times (will be 4 in January when I watch the final performance). I'm sad that it's closing.

I hope to blog more in 2013, but I always say that. I thought I might blog more after getting my Kindle Fire HD, but that thing and that OS suck to type with.

Anyway, good transformative year this year. Hoping to reap the benefits of 2012 in 2013! Invite me to a gay pool party!