Well I survived the competition last week. There were a lot of things I was unprepared for, that unless I had previously participated, I don’t think I would’ve ever figured out. The little things, the details, small bits you neglect to pay attention to are what really gets you in the end. I ranked a respectable fifth place, if you consider that all the rules weren’t adhered to as well I would be up there in fourth! Not bad for my first try. The judges’ score sheets are an invaluable little bit of scrutiny that I’ve already applied to my daily routine at work!

Speaking of the judges, I do not envy them. Well specifically I do not envy the sensory judges, they had to consume a ridiculous amount of caffeine across the two nights. I don’t think my boss got an hour’s rest in the next two days, the coffee took its toll. I think that the technical judging, while not an easy task, puts a lesser impact on the body. Watching a contestant so closely, making note of every little flick of the wrist and checking for real specifics when they barely have time to glance at their scoresheets must certainly be no simple job. Kudos to all the judges those nights, we (really) couldn’t have done it without your participation.

The most fun I had was watching everybody else compete. There were plenty of unique touches and styles from everybody, I just kept thinking “I wish I’d done it more like that” during everyone’s routine. There was a great spread of variety in the signature drinks with ingredients including, but not limited to rosemary, applesauce, tobacco, pancreas glands, cream cheese and even a mojito inspired beverage with fresh mint and ginger (my favourite of the drinks I tasted).

Next year, I’ll be ready.

My Dad, on the other hand, had himself quite the rush the next night. He was a fighter in Contenders White Collar Fight Night 7. It was his first fight, and he did it at the tender age of fifty five! Three one-and-a-half minute rounds, it doesn’t sound like a lot, but even just watching, those are very long ninety second rounds.

He won his match with a four to one vote from the judges. It was a strange moment of being proud of my dad, strange because of the unconventional circumstances. Seriously, whose father voluntarily begins training to fight the same year he plans to retire? He did great, kicked some ass, took some punches, and walked out tall, and all for charity. Ok, I’m sure that wasn’t his primary reason.

I wish I could post some pictures but I was without a camera that night. Maybe when I get ahold of some, I’ll update this post.

Updated: Here’s a few snaps of my old man in action. Age is clearly but a number.