I've been thinking a lot about what direction to go in, but it seemed to change each time I tried to decide. I know I need a break from full-speed ahead on gaining and then I had a revelation which seems obvious and even silly in its simplicity, but rather than trying to work towards a body goal, I would focus on doing what I enjoy.
Lately I've been doing a ton more cardio which has helped my sleep, mood, and energy improve a ton. When I'm in hardcore gaining mode, cardio always seems to fall away when it really shouldn't at all. This picture is from last night before going on a five mile walk/hike through the hilly neighborhood with a friend. Even after eating a big dinner, I still managed to complete the walk with an improved time than when we started a few weeks ago. I've been doing more ab work too, even if it doesn't show, I feel like it's something that needed to happen the whole time.
So while I need a break from purposefully devouring food until I pass out, I'm still eating big and focusing on the gym so now that I have some direction I feel a lot better and more motivated. I lost a few pounds initially, but now I'm back up to 246 as of last night so it's not like I've withered away and I still enjoy the feeling of a comfortable fullness so that will continue too.
It was a good, hard push to 253, my heaviest ever, and now I'm ready for a slower, but steady climb for more size and weight with an increased focus on gym gains. Basically, I like lifting, eating big and feeling big, so that's what I'll do :)
TL;DR:
The growth continues at a leisurely pace, with additional cardio and ab exercises add to the mix.