With each passing landmark it has become increasingly difficult for me to keep my mind from drifting beyond the confines of this over-crowded bus as it treks along the strip of the 401 that I have become so familiar with.

Amongst the slew of straight faced and semi-conscious passengers there are a few individuals who have managed to make their presence unavoidable.

There is the chatty child who appears to be much too young to own a cell phone conversing with a friend about the week he is going to spend with his aunt and uncle in the city, the recently laid-off iron worker hoping to find work in Hamilton Ontario, and the mother pleading for two kind souls to give up their seats so that she can sit beside her child... as interesting as these individuals seem to be, the most noticeable figure at the moment is the heavy-set man with the whistling nose who is slowly but surely working his way further and further onto my seat.

As uncomfortable as this trip may be, I am happy I made the decision to travel this way.

Early last week I was notified that I would not be fighting for W-1 March 28th. For one reason or another, the city of Gatineau continues to be a double edged sword in my personal and professional life... we are currently pursuing potential options outside of the province.

Don't worry...I am still training. I refuse to let myself slip as I have in the past. This situation allows me to take the time needed to let a few nagging injuries heal, improve on my technique, and work on my strength and conditioning.

I have engaged in combat with opponents on short notice, I have fought outside of my natural weight class three times and I have fought injured. I am working on training harder and smarter as well as  making a conscious effort to not start 2009 like I did 2008.

Although I have not participated in a professional bout in some time, enduring the past few months has been a fight within itself. I have said on numerous occasions that this break has done nothing but allow me to grow as a person, and now it lends itself to my development as a professional athlete.

Fastened securely to my back is the weight of a man in his becoming. An anatomy chart littered with the remains of past lives that could not be reassembled. Deep in the heart in which they dwell all things are seasoned beyond my years and reek of mystery. 

However, one thing is for certain... when I set foot in the cage I will not be the person I was once was, and the debut of this new man and fighter will be sooner than you all may imagine.

My friend Ashlee Ludlow sewed these pictures of me. I am not sure what kind of technique this is, but... my attempt at capturing their beauty does not do them justice. Thanks again Alee. 

Stay tuned.