So I haven't blogged in a while. Here's what's been up:

I've been reading. This book, and that book, and those books, and your book. I've had a lot of free time, and am proud to say I've been translating much of it into sustained reading. Reading a book that interests you is, I feel, never a poor way to spend your time. In a semi-related matter, I think I have an idea for my first novel. I'll fill you in on the details later, but I think I've finally found the spark - that tiny unique little idea that I can build a story around.

My Brother (Ross) got accepted to Ohio State. No surprises here, he of the 4.141592863 GPA is gonna be taking his act to Buckeye Country. Ross (My brother) will be the third in a battallion of Hoffman children to leave their mark on this school. I'm a bit jealous of him, as there has been so much construction done here over the last 3-5 years, that he's gonna have a revamped and powerful campus at his fingertips. Three-to-one he graduates before I do.

Tough times for Cleveland-related athletic endeavours. The Cavs caught a few chinks in their armor, the Browns lost (again) while losing their top draft pick (again), and the Indians can't seem to find anyone out there that wants to win a championship. I mean, they're obviously going to win the World Series this season, and I suspect that is the sales pitch Mark Shapiro has been using: "If you come play with us, we have to offer you $600,000 less per season, but you can probably get at least that much for your championship ring if you put it on Ebay!" In the case of the Browns, there isn't much I can say other than they are cursed. Plain and simple, there are just too many outside forces intent on keeping them down. I'm not speculating or fantasizing; it's a cold hard fact. Poor Browns.

I'm officially in the best shape of my life. That's right, hands down I have a more muscularly-developed body than I have ever had. And it's all from a few months of rock climbing. I've improved my balance, flexibility, and core strength, while adding reams of new muscle to my once-flabby areas. I totally have a six-pack now, (it's true - you can ask my sister - plus I look at it at least 6 times a day in the mirror so I'm convinced it's really there) but I haven't done a single sit-up. My body is physically capable of more than it's ever been capable of, and I'm basically a little chest/shoulder development away from being the sexiest man alive.

I'm going to Philidelphia this weekend. Leaving this afternoon and returning sometime on Sunday. There are three readily-identifiable perks to taking this trip:

1) It's a road trip, requiring a decent amount of drive-time, that will put me more than a stone's-throw from Columbus or Cleveland. Time away = Good.

2) I'll get to see Nick again, an old friend, and catch up on what life is like on his home turf.

3) I get to see Philly for the first time. I plan on running up those stairs like Rocky, and laughing at some Eagles fans. Plus, I think it should be swell around Christmas time, and I've always been a big advocate of snow.

City of Brotherly Love, here I come! I have good feelings about this weekend for everyone - not just myself. So keep your eyes on the prize, your focus on the most-est, and never forget to love thy brother.