Don't you just love hindsight?

I started thinking that I should post a blog once a month but then I realized a few things.  First of all, nobody really reads this, and secondly, only authors and researchers are on a contractual deadline to write anywhere close to something like that.  So I've come to the realization that this is more for me.  If any of you read this and get any joy out of it, well then.....that's just a bonus.

I am still with the Alpine Garrison.  I've been a part of it for about two years now, and I've been an official member of the 501st since April of this year.  Even if I decided to quit I'd be a member of record for probably another year but I can't see myself doing that.  It's where all my closest friends are.  The friends I used to be the most tight with have either moved or drifted away.  I still see a few of them from time to time but it's not often. 

I got off track though.  It's a hobby that allows me to be the kid I never wanted to let go of when I reached adulthood.  I'm not even sure what the term "adulthood" means other than in the legal sense where you can purchase things that aren't good for you, and vote people into political office that aren't good for you either. 

But I digress....again.  I am able to entertain kids the way I wish I could have been entertained when I was growing up.  Don't get me wrong, I had an excellent childhood and I don't suffer from any post-traumatic childhood stress.  They were just different times.  Granted, most kids don't know what a Magmatrooper is, but if I throw a Santa hat on it I instantly morph into a Christmastrooper, and that's not too bad either.  I'm getting a classic white stormtrooper, but for now I'm taking advantage of the season and donning the red whenever possible.  I'm sure I could find a way to fit it into Halloween and the 4th of July too if I really needed to.  I'm sure the costume has its limitations but I'm having fun exploring them.


As with any club of size there are bound to be disagreements.  Recently some things were said that probably should have gone un-voiced but by the same token I'd like to believe that nobody intended to offend.  I think it takes a real *insert derogatory term of choice here* to intend to hurt.  I wish hindsight was a more complete learning experience for everybody, but there you go.  I feel fine about things now but there are others still struggling.  I wish them the best.

If this seems too long for you to want to read, then don't.  Remember the part where I said this was more for me?  Seriously though, sometimes it just makes me feel better.  I keep a journal but that's stuff I keep to myself.  This is stuff I don't care about others reading.  To those of you who for some reason want to get to know me I say this....

I am who I am, faults and all.  My viewpoints may be different than yours but we can still be friends.  We can have discussions about pretty much anything.  I can talk calmly about politics and religion, can you?  I don't mind you trying to change me as long as you don't get upset when it doesn't work.  I will tell you if I disagree with you and I'll tell you why, and I'll do it nicely.  I hope you will extend me the same courtesy.

To those of you who know me, you knew this already, but it feels good to say it anyway.  I also feel I should apologize to you all.  I have complained a lot as of late and speaking from experience I know it's no fun to be around someone who's constantly down, so I made a list of things to help remind me that I am blessed.

I'm unemployed and my parents suffer with various health issues but I have a roof over my head, a wife that loves me.  I have food to eat and I get financial aid from my parents when I'm in serious need of it.  My kids are rotten many times but they will then blow me away with their sweetness.  My wife lets me troop because she knows it makes me happy and I have great friends that invite me to hang out with them even though I can't pay for my own food.  I have a cousin (once removed) I've never met who is one of my best fb friends and I look forward to meeting her someday.

-LG