Keep On Keeping On

A lot of you know that right now there is a lot going on in my life and in my family's life. It's been an eye-opening experience. It's amazing to find out how many true friends you have when you are going through a life changing event, and in some cases it's been jaw dropping finding out both who supports you and who doesn't. I've been lucky and my support system has been incredibly awesome and continually expanding.

It's times like these you really learn about yourself, and you also learn a lot (maybe too much) about others around you. It's at this time you realize how difficult forgiving people can be. I'm not saying it is impossible, in my opinion forgiveness is always possible and should be your first instinct, well maybe second instinct, the first should be to try to understand. The whole idea of forgiveness is for your own well being more than the person you are forgiving.

I've heard people say "I forgive, but I don't forget." That's unhealthy, and a huge contradiction in the overall process. If I forgave you for something, but never forgot, I would always be thinking about what you did to me, which means I haven't really forgiven anything and would eventually become resentful to you without you even knowing or doing any other wrongs to me. In essence I would be setting myself up to hate you later if I wasn't truly sincere when I forgave you. I know that's a hot topic, but ultimately you can't be a better person if you are always wondering when that person will hurt you again, as a matter of fact - false forgiveness will make you more cynical than anything anyone else could have done to you, and all of your relationships with people afterward will suffer.  By not really forgiving someone and explaining to them what you have did and why, you give them permission to continue as if they didn't do anything wrong.  If they say they won't wrong you again and are sincere, you have to make that determination if you want to believe them or not, but don't tell them you've forgiven them when in your heart you know you can't forget it as well. Do people deserve second chances? Absolutely. I believe that in certain circumstances people even deserve thirds, fourths, fifths, etc. If all depends on how important that person is to you and their impact on your life. You have to think about not only their impact of your life, but your impact on theirs. I have a picture that sums up my feelings on this:

Life if short.  You will make good decisions, bad decisions and ones that you think are one but turn out to be the other.  I'm not saying that you should forgive every person in your life for every misguided thing they may have done to you, but I am saying that if you do truly forgive them, you will both be better for it.

Sorry to get all philosophical on you, but I thought that if I shared what I've learned I might be able to make someone else's life a bit easier.

On a different note, I have to have surgery.  I injured my shoulder about a month ago and after a few tries at fixing it without surgery, my doctor has stated that I can only get fixed up with a trip to the operating table.  It looks like the seal around my left shoulder socket has been damaged and he will have to go in and find the problem and fix it up.  That's cool.  Not really, I hate surgery and the idea of being put under anesthesia. I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia that was used when I had my gall bladder removed and it's haunted me ever since.  I'm sure I'll be fine, but still - I worry, it's what I do.

I have several video projects I am currently working on, I've finished another chapter in my Science Fiction novella, and also I'm planning the trip to the Texas Renaissance Festival for the girls and me.  Lots of fun stuff to happen that weekend, plus it's pirate weekend there! Arrr?

Until next time, dear reader.

Special Edition: The Man in Black Comes Together

A lot (most of) the pieces for the Man in Black Costume have arrived, and although I won't give you a preview of what they look like on me, I do want to show you them individually.

First, let's look at the head wrap\bandana:

I'm satisfied with this, after all, it is a simple piece, so it was going to be easy to please me on this one.

The next thing are the gloves.  I actually had to look pretty hard to find gloves that a) looked close enough to the onscreen ones, b) did not have a liner so they wouldn't be incredibly hot, and c) we tight enough to provide me with a near normal tactile feeling.

The picture makes them look like they fear out a lot, but the flare isn't really that big.  There is no liner and they are tight, I mean like a second skin tight.  Well worth the search.

Next up? The Mask.  I am still a bit worried about this part.

As you can see, I have two. Currently the one on the left is the one I'm going with, although I like the nose better on the right one.  The problem with the one on the right is that the eye holes go too far inward makes my eyes bulge out because they are shoving into my eye sockets.  I have thought about putting some sort of padding either around the eyes or on the upper part of it to push it outward a bit, but haven't really hard time to try.  I'll update on that later.

An easy piece: The sword holder.

Simple thing, the scabbard goes through the holder, it attaches to my belt. Done deal.

Now my favorite piece of the puzzle.

The sword.  It's actually a well crafted sword, better than I expected.  And yes, it's a real sword.  I was have expecting a moderate quality blade that was loose in the hilt and a sub par wrap on the handle.  I was surprised.  It is a nice blade, set sturdily into the handle and the wrap is nicely designed and comfortable to hold.  Again, well worth my search.

Now, the piece I'm not so sure of:

The look is right, but the material is iffy. It's a little ... thin.  Should breath easy though.

The only things left are the sash that goes around the waist and the paints.  Can't go without the pants, Alexandria told me so.

All in all, everything is coming together, so I'm very pleased with everything, and although I might not be at the weight I wanted to be, I think everything will be ok.

Well, Maybe Not

So, we didn't go to Lone Grove Days.  We had a sick little girl (Alexandria) that had strep throat.  She is better now, but it was so sad this weekend, she was a quiet girl, which is not like her at all, a sure sign that someone is really sick.  She is better now, but it's going to be interesting to see if she has spread it.  Victoria is complaining of a sore throat now, but she also knows that Alexandria got to get out of school because of hers. Children are smart creatures, albeit devious at the same time. Madison did have to come home from school Tuesday and see the doctor, but we aren't sure if it was the same thing since she had a lot of puke going on.

This weekend, I had a few cheat meals, but I made up for it with plenty of exercise.  Friday I came home to watch Alexandria and while she slept, I planted my starter plants into the big garden. Saturday I cleaned the garage almost to the point I had it after I redesigned it, and if you've ever cleaned a garage, you know that can be intense, especially trying to find small jobs for the girls to do at the same time. To top it off, Saturday and Sunday I expanded the garden, I did not build the permanent add on that I want, but a lot more potted vegetables. I thought I took a picture, but I didn't which means you'll have to hang in suspense.

Thursday and Sunday I rocked out some intense workouts, so I feel pretty good about that.  Sunday I worked out my legs, and I can still fell it. I'm continuing to lose inches like I had previously mentioned, which is awesome, except the fact that my pants are so loose, it causes my shirts to come untucked. I need to put another hole in my belt. If I do reach me goal weight, I will need to get a whole new wardrobe.  I'm not super excited about that like others would be.  Some changes I don't like.

The first hotel I booked for us to stay at while we were at the Renaissance Festival overbooked, and luckily I was about to get some rooms at the last hotel in town that had rooms, it's a nicer hotel so I guess it worked out.  We are all set on that front, and if I can lose a few more inches, I'll be happy with my appearance as the Man in Black.

Speaking of the Man in Black, all of my pieces for the costume are on their way, and soon I will be able to tell for sure if my work has paid off! I think I might be more excited to go than the girls this year.  Like I mentioned before, look out for updates both nights!

Until next time, dear reader.

Old McJames Has a Farm

Not really, but it was a catchy title.  In reality I have a garden, not even a big one right now, but it is a garden.  Reports show that gardening can help reduce stress. Liars.  I kid, I kid. Working in the garden gives me a sense of accomplishment, the results don't take all that long, and you can say that you did it.

I mean, this is pretty awesome, right?

These are getting ready to plant, meanwhile, in the garden:

 I even got Victoria in on helping:

It's fun, and it does give me exercise when I'm not working out, and I'm not even thinking about it, so it's still helping reach my goal of losing weight to be the 'Man in Black' for the Festival.  Speaking of the Festival, Lyndsay had an idea that blew my mind. Instead of being the Man in Black the first day, I should be him the second day, in case I find anything better that would compliment my attire.  She also had another reason, she is going to look for a dress so she could be Buttercup from the movie. Woah, that would be awesome.  Now, clothes at the Renaissance Festival aren't usually cheap, but in this case, I might splurge.  Also, during the Festival I will probably update the blog each night when we get back to the hotel, so keep an eye out for those. You must read them.

 This weekend is Lone Grove Days, and I plan on having a special update about that this weekend, so look for that.  It's a day of fun in the city where I live, games, activities, music, shopping, a car show and food.  Also, I should mention, that I wasn't going to go this year, but Lyndsay got Shanghaied into working the concession stand.  Probably a good thing, so she can monitor how much of the delicious bad food I try to eat.  She might put my picture up with the caption "Do Not Sell to This Man." Speaking of eating, I've changed my diet, and it's working.  I feel better and I am losing weight (and inches).  Just goes to show you, you treat your body good, and it will return the favor.

If you didn't catch it, we went to the Zoo this past weekend, and well, this sums it up:

Anyhow,  until next Thursday Dear Reader.

Fun Things Ahead

As most of you know, my family loves to go to Renaissance festivals. Due to scheduling and a low budget, we were going to have to skip the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, TX this year.  This one is my favorite (at least that I've been to thus far) and I did not want to miss it.  After rearranging schedules, and saving money (and selling a lot of crap on eBay) we have the funds, and will be on our way at the end of May.

Last year I dressed up, and I loved it.

I did only dress up one of the two days we were there last year, mainly because I had sweated so much in it that I dare not wear it again.  This year, I will wear this outfit on day 2, day 1 will be:

That's right, the Dread Pirate Roberts from The Princess Bride.  I might not make a great one, but I'll have fun.  I'll even shave my beard down to just a mustache to complete the look. 

Since this is at the end of May I have roughly a month to get myself into a little better shape so I don't have to pretend to be Wesley in his old, fat years.  I'm hoping to trim down my belly a bit, and lose about 7-10 pounds.  I'm already on my way, I've made good progress, so I think I can do it. 

Just the little time I've been more conscious of what I'm eating, my belly has reduced in size a bit, and I attribute this to the reduction in sodium intake.  I still need to lower it, but it was astronomical before.  The short term goal to look decent for the fair is really off to a good start.

As a practice run, we may end up going to a Renaissance Festival in Muskogee, OK (okcastle.com) for one day and see if I can stand the costume and if I look horrible or not, you know, to get feedback and whatnot.  We shall see.  Until next time, dear readers.

Wow, I've Neglected You

So it's been a few weeks since I posted anything. My bad.  Actually I take that back, I don't like the phrase "My Bad" so I'll say, my sincerest apologies, it was indeed my fault.  A bit longer, but I bet you felt better reading it. I know I felt a better connection with you when I wrote it.  So, There will be a big event this weekend, The Scarborough Renaissance Faire in Waxahatchie, Texas.  My clan is going along with my mother and father in law.  This year I am sporting period attire.  Watch out for photos this weekend of a lovable portly innkeeper, it might be yours truly.  I say portly because it makes me feel less self conscious about myself, also it sounds neat.

To explain a Renaissance Faire to those not in the know, it is a place where people can pretend it is the 15th or 16th century (depending on the venue) and act like fools while staring at the scantily clad people in costumes.  The Scarborough Faire is a great one, it's size is just perfect and the environment that has been created is just plain awesome.  It's fun for the whole family, the girls love going and it's always a blast to watch them.

In my few travels to events such as this, I have learned that some things are essential to take. Here are a few things that are on my list.

1. Money (As with most things like this, things add up - bring your shillings)
2. Gold Bond (Spray or Power, but beware and be prepared)
3. Portable Battery Charger for Phone (especially if you are using it as your camera)
4. Underwear (Even if they didn't always have it back then, you should wear some)
5. Money (Bring extra, just in case)
6. A sense of humor (the players\actors may give you a good ribbing, so be prepared to take it in stride)

We try to hit a couple of these a year, and we are always looking for more to go to and people who want to go, so be sure to throw suggestions at me.

I think it might be timeth for me to goeth, so pleaseth stayeth tuned .. eth.