How much grilling is too much grilling?

I was wonderfully surprised with an early birthday present this week by my brother (who makes the league of most wonderful brothers of the universe, by the way. He plays shortstop).

"WHAT? A birthday gift? Nooooo...."

"Ignore the price tag."

(I look straight at price tag)

(Then, at the actual gift itself)

"OH!!!!!!! A cast iron grill! And a tong! And, some real salt and pepper shakers!"

And this ladies and gentlemen is what set loose a crazy night of grilling everything that you can possible put grill marks on. This was also the night where I realized life is about 33% easier with a tong. The utensil is like a third arm.

The night was young and there were things to be grilled. We started with rounds of vegetables:

Peppers, zucchini, corn and onions were all present at the meeting.

Shrimp and chicken also made personal appearances.

Mojitos always stop by. Thank god no one decided to char-up the mint leaves.

I can do this grilling thing. It's not all too bad. In fact, at one point, I actually got a sense of quaint, suburban life... hosting little grilling parties. Being a master of flames...

And then the apartment got way too smokey. And the eyes, a little teary.

But still... I have myself a cast iron grill!