First off, my sincerest apologies. This journal was intended to be posted about a month ago after my return bout and to precede my trip to Canada, but hey, life has a funny way of making things work out X3. I know many have inquired about it in person or via Skype, but for those who've been anxiously awaiting the result of my hiatus from the octagon, here it is:

"Ladies and gentleman. This matched has been called to an end with 1:21 left in the third and final round. Declaring your winner via KNOCKOUT: JUAN "THE BOSSHOG" CHAVEZ!!"

For those of you that didn't read the previous journal, I was on about a 6 month hiatus from the octagon, but after rigorous training and negotiations with CFA, I was able to get back into a Heavyweight Title Eliminator match. The bout went to the third round, and both of us were involved in a bit of a war of attrition. He was busted, bruised, bloodied, and all around exhausted. He was a black belt in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for those that are unaware) and I knew he'd be looking to have the match on the ground to force me to submit. Being only a purple belt in BJJ, I knew that he would have more skill and determination to have it his way had I let it go that way. Over the month and a half or so of strength and conditioning training, I attempted to make the bout a striking match. Round one involved the two of us feeling the other out. I tried many new techniques that proved successful, including spinning elbows, backfists, heel kicks, and switched stances. I was able to stifle all but two takedown attempts that didn't go in his favor. He managed to utilize his height and striking as well. I would up with quite the bloodied nose, a few cuts on the head, and after being subjected to a long standing kimura lock, I felt my arm was broken. I was almost certain it was. I went into the third round believing it was. Nevertheless, he wound up being gored (my proclaimed special move) and upon getting up, was forced against the cage and dealt a combination that my coaches and I had worked on for 6 weeks, resulting in his body dropping limp onto the mat, and declaring me the winner. In my post fight speech, I called out the champion, whom is a bitter rival of mine, and asked to challenge a member of his camp for my next bout.

Going into medical, I was quite nervous about my gashes some, but mainly about my arm. Turns out there was some slight nerve damage, but no breaks nor stitches needed. i was given a 14 days medical suspension, 7 days no contact, making me eligible to return to the octagon as early as November 1st. I thought about taking advantage of it, but I really felt it was wise to try and get back to my preferred weight, and with an imminent trip to Canada in the near future, I didn't want to look too beat up when I got there X3. However, talking with CFA, it seems they want to throw me a curveball. My next bout will be against my own teammate/protege, whom is not happy and quite terrified. I feel terrible about it, but business is business, and we're just going to have to but our friendship and camaraderie aside for a night. I look forward to this challenge, as he knows all of my moves/skills/weaknesses entering the bout, as I know his. A battle of wits and evenness. I'm looking to return to the octagon again for this challenge on December 13th.

In more recent news, I enjoyed a brief stint of time in Canada. Though it was a short six days, the time I had there was unimaginable. I was obviously there for one reason, that beings to visit my one and only  Girs. I have a trip planned to go there to spend Christmas and New Year's with him, but with that time being so far away, I couldn't really take the separation anxiety anymore and took advantage of having a week away to see him and be reunited with him and to be in his arms. We didn't do a lot, but the time we had and the places I saw and the people I met were beyond fathomable. It was the first time I had ever been in such a cold climate, let alone seen snow. Yes, I am one of those few people on earth that has never seen snow, but I finally did! It snowed all night one night, and upon waking up the next morning, I certainly appeared like a child on Christmas, jumping out of bed to look and stare in an enthralled manner at the powdery white that covered the sidewalks, rooftops, and cars. My floofs definitely floofed up and my tail was certainly wagging in excitement ^^. I got my opportunity to go outside and actually interact with it...which was only fun for a brief time XD. This hardened, temperate Florida skin was pierced by the wind and the chill and quickly needed to retreat for warmth and snuggles. Obviously,  Girs didn't mind xD. In our downtime, we still were able to catch up on some gaming, a few times with  Shadowpack123, which was also awesome, so thanks for that, Shadow :3. It was difficult to leave come Monday, but the one ray of hope we both have is that I will be back soon enough, December 19th to be specific. As of today, that's exactly 4 weeks away. Rawr :3!! That obviously cannot come soon enough, because aside from the urge of wanting company, affection, and snuggles, he got me addicted to some awesome food, which is going to kill my diet and ability to maintain fight weight XD. Fine by me, I'll just have to work a little harder ^^.

Nevertheless, things have certainly been real, and it's been a tough adjustment snapping back into reality once again. Growing up sucks sometimes, but it gives me time to get bigger, better, and stronger. I look forward to again being back in the octagon, despite the inevitable battle with a teammate/best friend. I look forward to returning north of the border and being with my one and only Pupperoni husky and being with him for Christmas and New Year's. Our one year anniversary is also rapidly approaching, so we get to celebrate that too :3!! Woo! And once 2014 arrives, I look forward to having him return here and we'll be preparing, along with most of ya'll, for FWA!! It's gonna be great!

Anywho, again, to anyone who has inquired or cared to know about my life lately, I greatly appreciate it. It's always nice to know that people still care about others sometimes and to know that I'm still acknowledged and loved by some. So, thank ya'll for that. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this as I know it's a bit delayed and prolonged X3. Finally, thanks you anyone who has taken the time to holler at me and console me at times to keep me distracted or give me optimism in regards to my blatant and severe separation anxiety. Ya'll are awesome. As my last post said, one of my main purposes for my return fight was to fight for this fandom, and I think I did it well. All my fights have a bit of dedication to this fandom. This fandom makes me feel alive a lot of the times, because I'm able to truly feel and be what I want to be. I'm a Tog first and foremost >:3! Hehehe. Until next time folks ^^.