2016. Interesting year to say the least. The consensus seems to be that 2016 was a dumpster fire that kept raging to the very end. Can’t say that I disagree given some of the events that took place but for me it wasn’t that bad of a year.
Our family always gets together on Canada Day for great times but this year we raged harder than we ever have and it was an absolute blast. Right from the moment everybody showed up we gave er and didn’t stop until it was time to leave. The first Sangria mix was close to normal but the second was just swill lol if I can give any advice about drinking Sangria it is this, you cannot judge how drunk you are until you eat the damn fruit. But it made for some epic partying so no regrets. Golf was an epic fail thanks to Fireball hahah Mitch and D’Arcy were absolutely trashed and it made for some hilarious moments but not so much for success on the course. Still a great time.
Then we had the marquee event of the year, Drew’s bachelor party in Banff with an epic crew. One of the most amazing experiences of my life, Banff is an incredible place. We got to experience a round of golf on the nicest course I have ever played, Banff Springs. It is a top 5 course in Canada and earns it’s place on that list with the amazing course they have constructed. The scenery on every hole was like you are playing in a post card. 1 of the holes has a creek that runs right along side it, clear blue water. Had to lean down and splash some over my head. Managed to Par a hole on Banff Springs and get a Birdie on Stewart Creek so I was happy. Slept in the van the first night and on the couch cushions the rest so that should give you an idea of what kind of weekend it was lol we had a great crew of bulls. Epic partying with no drama or bullshit. Those cabins were pushed to the brink I assure you but we left em in good condition. The last night winding down with Drew, myself and Yeager are memories I will cherish for life along with the rest we made. Hit the town back to back nights and def did it up big time. I remember seeing people carrying around these big mugs with some kind of orange drink in them. It looked delicious so I figured why not, well probably not a good idea. I ordered the drink and the bartender immediately started pouring in a bunch of different energy drinks and alcohol and I thought what the hell did I just do lol I don’t drink energy drinks ever but since it was like $15 and it was a bachelor party I figured when in Rome. It tasted delicious and had me ready to rage again but definitely not something I would drink regularly. Made for some sick moves on the dance floor hahah shout out to the ladies I was hangin with, don’t remember any of your names but I had great times that’s for sure. My Uncle G also needs a shoutout for stepping up and driving there and back no questions asked. It’s a huge weight off our shoulders when you don’t have to worry about being safe getting there and back. And it’s also crucial to have a kickass driver bc on the way up did we ever party lol the ride up was one of my favourite memories. The ride back was one of the circles of hell I imagine but worth it for such an epic weekend. A champion person like Drew deserved a great time like that so I am very happy that everyone worked out good. Seeing my pops and Uncle G rock the beer bong was also a great memory. Def will not forget this weekend.
Next up was Labour Day and we went hard again. Technically it was the first loss in 11 years but we got screwed dammit and all you Bummer fans know it lol no matter what happens in the game it’s always great to get together with everyone.
We had thought the next event would be Drew’s wedding but we ended up with another weekend together a few weeks before since Drew got kicked out of the house for Megan’s bachelorette party. Great times drinkin and playing poker but the biggest story of the weekend was our family finally coming through with a perfect pools. Every time we get together during football season we always put our money together and try to cash in but usually we end up with 1 wrong at the most. But this time my Dad came through with a perfect ticket and man was it awesome cheering for it to come through. We needed Miami to win and they were down by 2 TDs at one point but came back to steal the win. The whole family cheering and going nuts on the final Miami drive for a TD is a memory I will cherish. Didn’t end up being the big one we were all hoping for but it cashed out approx 350 for each of us which is def nothing to complain about.
In December we finally got to the big event, Drew and Megan’s wedding at the Elk Ridge resort. What an amazing time this was, a great moment seeing 2 people meant to be together connect their lives and families forever. The resort itself is unbelievable, prob even better in the summer. I was actually mad at myself for not knowing about something as amazing as this right in my backyard, right in Saskatchewan. Definitely going to be coming back when I get a chance. Great times at the reception dancing and drinking with everyone, the photo booth pics will live on forever lol just a perfect way to cap off a great year of getting together with family.
And now we are here at Drew and Megans getting ready for some World Jrs, New Years and the final week of the NFL season. The big one is comin home this time haha but whatever way it shakes down it’s just great to be together with family. Good food, beers, whiskey, sports, what more could we ask for.
So when I look back at all that, it’s just hard for me to see 2016 as a bad year. However, when I look out into the world I can def see why it is seen like this.
Biggest story has to be the election of Donald Trump. Still can’t believe I have to type that. I have already written about my thoughts on Trump so I won’t waste too much time but what a disgrace this whole thing is. Looking at who he is putting in his government is so depressing. If there were any doubts about what side Trump is on it’s clear now. He is gearing up for an attack against Good people and is loading up the who’s who of human filth to help him. All the positive advancements in the world like legal marijuana, health care, focus on environmental issues, equality are all going to be attacked with the intent of undoing the good. The fact that people voted for him b/c he was anti-establishment is just fucked. I mean how stupid do you have to be to think that. That kind of stupidity is dangerous and the collective intelligence is just going to get worse with a scumbag like Trump as President along with the millionaires and billionaires he is putting in his government. It just seems wrong to go from a guy like Obama who tried to do so much Good to a piece of garbage like Trump. Good people are going to have to be stronger than ever and fight harder than ever to get through these tough times and stop the bad from destroying the Good but we will persevere bc giving up is not an option.
In Canada, our first year under Trudeau was hit/miss but we are much better off than people realize. I am a big Trudeau supporter but I don’t agree with everything he has done. After seeing how these “equalization” payments are handed out there is a significant amount of money going to the East and significantly less out West. Something stinks about this but gives me a little peek behind the curtain of things going on in Canada and who is controlling things. He has spent a lot of money including giving money to other countries but if you know how the world works you know what he is doing. Canada is not ready to take a stand against the scumbags that control the world so Trudeau is buying us time until we are. If he doesn’t they will try to cut things off and make life very difficult for Canada and Canadians. People are waking up but it’s not enough yet. Just like Obama, he has to let some things the scumbags push for go through but when he has a chance will make sure the Good things go through. Legal Cannabis will be huge for bringing in money to help Canada and improving quality of life. He is trying to keep our country moving towards ending the dependence on Non-Renewable fossil fuel energy which will take time but must be done. The Oil Industry was never going to be long term, eventually things will run out or the impact on the environment will be too much to sustain. It’s just a fact, people made themselves believe it would last forever but that just ain’t how things work. Waiting around for another oil boom is just not practical, we need to find and create long term sustainable industries for people to work in and make a living. It’s possible but people that are tied to Non-renewable energy will do anything and everything to make it difficult. But with leaders like Trudeau we have the opportunity to successfully push for these things to come to fruition. Once Cannabis is legalized the money situation Trudeau opponents are crying about will be much improved and will create an environment for positive change.
It was a legendary year in sports as 108 years of heartbreak and heartache as the Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series. 1 year after Back to the Future predicted it, so close but I think we will still give em the credit. The Ottawa Redblacks shook off years of negativity surrounding the previous franchises and cemented their place in the CFL by defeating the Calgary Stampeders in the Grey Cup. We The North! The Toronto Raptors had a playoff run to remember as they advanced farther than they ever have, making it to the Eastern Finals before losing a tough series to eventual Champs the Cleveland Cavaliers. The experience of that run and the sting of losing so close should fuel the team for future playoff runs giving them irreplaceable experience. So far so good this year as DeRozan seems to be stepping up into the elite category but will have to prove it when it counts. Gotta give credit to the Cavaliers and LeBron James finally delivering a title to the city of Cleveland, almost as much heartbreak as the Cubs so I’m happy for em. Peyton Manning went out a Champion as the Denver Broncos destroyed a very game Carolina Panthers team to win the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh added another notch to their legacy as they defeated San Jose to win the Stanley Cup. Pretty good year in sports.
Same ol shit in WWE. Great talent, great matches despite garbage writing and the continuation of this variety show abomination. NXT was the shining light to save the day as the Takeover specials have been providing the best WRESTLING action you can get. They have to address the direction and format of the main shows before it’s too late. And looking at the current climate it’s not out of the question that WWE could be in big trouble soon. TV contract will be up and if things keep going the way they are they will be taking a significant pay cut. WrestleMania could be truly great if they put the right lineup together, can’t see it being as bad as last year. From what I have been seeing I think it will fall somewhere in the middle. Shame but they are doing it to themselves.
2016 was definitely a rough year for famous people as we lost some icons that were connected to a lot of people. Glenn Frey, Muhammad Ali, Carrie Fisher, Arnold Palmer, Prince, just to name a few but there were almost 130 I think so it was def rough. I know some people think it’s silly to be upset over the death of someone you don’t know but through the different mediums of entertainment we did know these people. We were connected to their energy, their talents helped us get through bad times and enhanced the good times. That is why people have such strong reactions when famous people die, almost like losing a friend in a way.
Personally 2016 was more of the same yet also very significant. 1st half of the year I continued to focus on bulking up my physique to try and stay above 200lbs yet also lose belly flub, which was very hard since I don’t use anything but food. But once I decided I had bulked enough to attain the physique I wanted, I started moving towards burning away the rest of the fat and building up muscle. I cut out Pepsi for 13 weeks straight to try and get there. It gave me phenomenal results and really helped move me forward faster. I continued my Lift Heavy or Sleep in the Streets weight lifting routine, hit a personal best 90lb straight arm standing bicep curls. I continued rocking the DDPYoga, almost able to get into 1 of the hardest positions. I bought Dip Bars and have been crushing at least 300 dips 6 days a week. I committed to a stretching routine that takes 45 min but is more than worth it feeling the effects of elongating the muscles and breaking down the adhesion. I really think by the time the snow melts I will have got rid of most if not all of my belly flub as I plan on grinding hard in the new year to get there. I am thrilled with the muscular physique I am building, I can see each area building up. My posterior and anterior compartments of my lower legs are seeing significant muscle tone. My quads have started to build up nicely. My hips, gluts and core has strengthened and you can start to see the definition forming. My back and chest have added bulk and are starting to become defined and toned. My arms are stronger than ever and are bulking up all the time. I really feel like I’m right about to get the body I have been working for, for over 15 years.
Still living at home but I’m fine with that. It’s tough seeing my Mum and Dad deal with PTSD but I know it would worse if I wasn’t there. My Mum never really has to be alone bc I go to work when my Dad is getting home and that goes a long way for recovery and avoiding regression. My parents are like 2 good friends as well so I enjoy spending time with them rather than being alone. I can tell my Mum things other people can’t so that’s another reason I am glad I am there to help. My brother also needed some help getting back on track this year so I’m glad I could be there for him. As much as I wish I could have my own place, I wouldn’t trade that for helping my family. Serious consequences come with PTSD and other things so if I can help stop some of those things from happening, I’m more than cool with it.
I’m still on the path God set out for me and I know that we are still in building phase of it. I have always felt a strong intuition that nothing significant is going to happen until I hit my fitness goal, which makes more sense the more I think about it. He needed me to be in this position so I only had to worry about myself and could focus on trying to have an impact on changing the world. Women are attracted to the energy of protection, males that can house, feed and safeguard them and their offspring give off that energy. Whether they are a good or bad person is irrelevant, it’s all about that energy which is what initially attracts a women to a man. If you don’t have that energy you probably won’t even get a shot regardless of how you look or act. That is why I am in the situation I am. Technically right now I do not have the means in our current society to house and feed a woman and our offspring on my own, all I could do is safeguard them from harm which is not enough to create that energy of attraction. That is why God has put me in this situation, so I could do what He needed me to do without creating the energy of attraction that would take my focus off the task at hand. He also made me lose my hair and struggle with weight just to be sure which I think is a little over the top but hey he’s the big guy so I’ll trust him lol but I have tried hard to gather as much information as possible about the world and strategically release it and use it so that it has the most impact. My intuition tells me I am close and that everything I have been working for is coming after I hit my fitness goal, just gotta finish it off and get there.
So there it is my 2016 retrospective. Definitely turned out longer than I thought but that’s the beautiful thing about writing, you never know where it’s going to go or how it will inspire you to create more. I know a lot of people had a really shitty 2016 and the turn of the calendar won’t automatically change it. It’s gonna take us as Good people collectively coming together, ready to fight and scratch and crawl to create a better world that provides Good things for Good people. I feel like despite the doom n gloom we are close, we just need to get on the same page so that we are all helping each other and working towards to same goal. We can get there much faster together and the foundation will be much more solid.
I send up prayers of love, strength, perseverance, triumph and as much Good energy as possible to my family, friends and to all Good people. Together we can make 2017 the start of real change and not just a flip of the calendar. Cheers and God Bless!