New Year Hobby Resolutions - 2010.

The new year is upon us! Thank goodness... I am not sure I could have taken much more of 2009. Now we live in the mystical future known only as 2010.

The new year means new things for me and my Warhammer hobby. This year I am making a few resolutions for myself, hopefully I can stick to them.

• Be a better sportsman: I have a bad tendency to get caught up in the moment and take things personally. Gotta remember it is just a game and win or lose I play it for fun. I've been working on this for several months now and I would like to think I am doing better already. I know I have been having more fun playing as of late at least...


• Finish painting my Vampire Counts army: This one might be difficult as I have no intention of using them in any upcoming tournaments or events and I have had really bad luck with them in my games as of late. I know the list I am playing is not the best but I keep stubbornly trying to make it work. Still, I am not assembling/painting anything else until I get these undead goons done.


• Begin work on my Warriors of Chaos/Beastmen armies: I have a good amount of WoC models just sitting on my shelves waiting for me, and a list I want to build. Beasts are something I can see myself wanting once the new book is released but we'll see.


• Learn 40k and start or don't: I've been wishy-washy with 40k for too long. I either need to start playing it (and learn how to play in the process) or give it up and focus on WHFB. I have no idea what my gaming community will look like after I move in a few months. My hand may be forced on this one if I can't find fantasy players in the area (at least until I convert a few).


• Build some terrain: The few bits of terrain I have for my table are quite sad. I need to spend some time crafting terrain I actually want to use and like the look of - especially if I want to get people into the game (nobody is impressed by green foam).


• Release four issues of the Bellower this year: This one isn't entirely dependent on me, but as the current editor/layout slave a lot comes down to me being on time. First issue should be out soon so we are well on our way!


• Attend as many tournaments as possible: Winning is nice but I really like the social aspect of tournament events. It is always nice to meet new nerds, see new armies, and play a bunch of games. I know there are a few events in the midwest so as long as I can find the time to go this shouldn't be a problem.
  

There are likely a few things I am forgetting but these few things should keep me pretty busy in the coming year. One thing I left off the list is including more beer reviews on the site. It's the first word in the name of this blog! I shouldn't have to make a resolution to include more beer coverage, so here is a review of a rather tasty beer from a few months back.

Lagunitas Brewing Company - Lagunitas IPA

Beer Type: American IPA

Appearance: 12 oz. brown bottle with an off-white label and a typical Lagunitas label. Beer poured a light amber color with a medium off-white head that quickly faded.

Smell: Sweet malts followed quickly by a sharp citrus-hoppy aroma. You can really smell both the sweet and bitter qualities of this beer.

First Drink: Sweet carmel malt quickly overcome by a grapefruit like bitterness. Not much of the "pine" flavor I have come to associate IPA's with.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a little oilyness from the hops. Overall this is a smooth, well carbonated beer.

Last Drink: The sharp bitterness mellows out and is replaced by a sweet roasted aftertaste. Nicely done.

Drinkability: I'm not always a fan of IPA style beers (although I am growing to like them), but this is well crafted and does not have a severly bitter aftertaste. I may have to drink a few more to be sure...

Notes: Drinking this right now just makes me want the Lagunitas Cappucino Stout! I hope I can get that again soon!

Verdict: 4 out of 5.

Links: Beer Advocate and Lagunitas Brewing Company.