Steel Toes and Scarred Knuckles

A very Excellent Day

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:14:14 GMT

Saturday was probably one of the best days i have had in a long time.

Saturday Started with Me getting to Taylorville for Ethyl. I had a very good time. I got to see folks i hadn't in a long time and realized i missed being with them. I truly felt that they felt the same about me.

I got into armor and fought. It was weird because my pole arm felt right in my hands, not foreign or clumsy. Fought some good fights and realized some mistakes i was making.

We then fought with the castle. I started with pole, but switched to my great sword. It was with that i felt natural like my body was in sync with my weapon. The Zombie battle was fun.

We ate lots of meat, God was it good, Jhondo as always the grillmaster out did himself.

I took a quick dip in the pool then headed home.

At home a quick shower and then change into my stepping out clothes. My roomate and me up with a couple of female friends to hang out and throw a few back.

OK i will have to pause this to say that one of these girls, I will call her A to protect the not so innocent, i have developed a crush on.

So most of the night of course i was being my charming self. End of the night me and my roomate take A home and i walk her to the door. It was a hold over from my day full of chivalry. I am not sure who initiated it, but we kissed for a few minutes and then i left. Came home went to bed truly happy with life.

It was an excellent day.

Dark night

Fri, 15 May 2009 06:06:42 GMT

Today started for me what some traditions call the dark night of the soul. I am planning an inipi (sweatlodge) and am looking for healers or shamans from any earth based traditions to work with.

Martial Arts

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:53:36 GMT

Its a funny thing. I joined the Local karate school. My first class i was working with the black belts on kicks, even though i am currently a white belt until they decide where to put me belt wise.

I started my first Martial arts class in 1984. Over the years i have studied formally in 6 different styles obtaining a sifu title(black belt equiv)in a style of Kungfu. I have also studied informally in several armed and unarmed styles. I have teaching and coaching experience.

Now the second class was me and four black belts after the children were dismissed. This was to be my trial by fire as it was sparring class, in other words i would spar all the black belts. Not a problem for me.

First black belt. Six foot something, 100 foot reach. Bowed and then fighting stance was called by the ref. I dropped into my stance and immediately wa told it was wrong, not wide and deep enough, not enough weight over the front leg, front hand too far forward, rear hand too high. I tried my best to 'correct' my stance and begin was called. I immediately shot out a low monkey kick (inverted blade kick to the shin) to the lead leg followed up with a circular jab punch to the face. (those who have seen my pole/spear thrust that looks like its shooting to your right but lands on your face, its the same technique) Hold was called and i was promptly told to use the Karate techniques they taught and to only target the torso. Oh and yeah no grappling or 'fancy' techniques.

The rest of the fights consisted of me blocking kicks, being just a fraction outside of my opponents reach, and doing double open handed chi strikes to the bottom of the incoming side kicks to knock them off balance.

For the grand finale i took a full side kick to the stomach without being moved. Woot for grounding.

It really got me thinking about the difference in what is taught in traditional style schools and what an individual martial artist retains. In a street situation i couldn't or wouldn't use probably 3/4th of what they teach. I guess the main benefit for me going is the physical conditioning they do. If nothing it will help in the weight loss plan.

The rocky road pt1

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:56:35 GMT

Life for me has always had ups and downs. Problem is the downs seem to far outwiegh the ups. Much has gone on with me in the past whatever. I am once again single. I no longer work the full time overnight job at the county market, but am working part time at the caseys in williamsville. I no longer live in that big house, but share an apartment with a friend in williamsville. I think i am becoming resistent to my Meds(anti-depressant and antipsychotic). I recieved a DUI the other night and wasn't even in my vehicle at the time. I will fight that which comes to a tune of $1750.00, I have $80.00 in the bank.

I repaired all my SCA armor, weapons, and garb, renewed membership, got a new fighters card, and took over as heavy marshal for swordcliff. I was planning on going to rites of spring, pennsic and a few other summer events, but I don't think that will happen since i can't afford it right now. I am looking at starting Swordcliff fighters practices up a couple times a month on sundays about noon. I need to get practice in, get my head in the fight.

Saint Paddys day

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:05:33 GMT

Saint Patricks day.... I have been to New Orleans, this year.... Its Boston, thats right a week in Boston celebrating St. Paddys. Damn cant wait.

The House

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:43:38 GMT

I have started thinking of my redecoration and room assignments for when she is gone.

The Kids Bedroom will become my bedroom and take on the Asian Theme. My Ink rubbing from Shaolin Temple will finally get a frame and some plexiglass.

The Current Bedroom will become the gameroom and SCA Storage area. I will be putting a 4'x6' Gaming Table, minifridge, PS2 and some shelves in the room.

The Toy room will become the War room hence refered to as "The Bunker." It will house the military memoribillia, guns, computer, flags, new National Guard uniforms, Camo net on the wall, and the computer.

The Dining room will become my pub with the dart board, a small well stocked bar, minifridge, stools, CD Player, whatever else(Still looking for a theme for it.

The Living room will house an electric Faux fireplace, leather couch, Lazy Boy, Entertainment center. I am thinking of doing it in a style that ties into an Irish pub theme to join the two rooms.

Currently kitchen is retro 70's. I am not to worried about it, but will replace the floor with some laminate.

Foyer will get laminate also and an old hall tree (bench with tall back with coat hooks) and an unbrella stand. Kinda tie it into the pub theme maybe.

Well thats the rough plan right now. Any suggestions?

Names

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:21:10 GMT

WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names)
Lee Dale
NASCAR NAME: (first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Banny Lincoln
STAR WARS NAME: (the first 2 letters of your last name, first 4 letters of your first name)
Gushan
DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Black Tiger
SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you live)
Eugene Springfield
SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite alcoholic drink, optionally add "THE" to the beginning)
The Oxblood Guiness
FLY NAME: (first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Shey
GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie):
Cookie(dough)Pumpkin
ROCK STAR NAME: (current pet's name, current street name)
Raven Governor or Max Governor
PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on)
Ding-a-Ling Lemon (I shit You Not)

endings

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:29:59 GMT

Well I am once again single. She is moving out when she gets the money. God i hope that is soon.

I have set up a cot in the kids toy room and when she moves out I will move in a single bed in the bedroom. I have a friend that wants to move in but....we have had issues in the past.

Update AKA Rambling on....

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:40:45 GMT

Well several things have been going on lately.

On the First of Sept. me and the woman moved into a house together. Nice big house, rent and utilities eats my whole month paycheck. Last week i found out she had applied for section 8 for herself. She is planning on moving out. After talking with her, I began to have deja'vu concerning this whole thing. It seems that me working overnights has taken us away from each other in terms of intimate connection. It seems to her that we are more room mates than anything.

I kind of understand this. I don't want it to be that way, I really would like to settle down with her and the kids...I really would...somewhere inside me i feel like this. Being said I have since started crushing on two girls. Ah, maybe its a midlife crisis at 36, who knows.

I began the process of Joining the Army National Guard. My ASVAB scores were so high that there is no job off limits for me. Just have to pass the Physical. Need to lose 5 inches off my midsection(bellybutton area). There are a hundred ways to go about it, some healthy some not. It really begins to bring about ethical/moral/common sense questions as to whether healthy is better than fast in a case like this. I tend to lean towards extreme results.

I have put applications in with the state for a few jobs and there is a Loss Prevention position with my current employer open i may inquire into. Its more money, but i am not sure if its full time or not.

I put in to have fri and Sat of Crystal Ball off. My crew is back down to 4 with the strong posssibility of 3 by next weekend. I went ahead and put myself down to work friday night. I may end up working Saturday too. I really don't want to miss Crystal Ball but if work says come in.......

I have taken Over as Heavy Marshal for the Shire again. We have a new fighter... well a newer fighter. He has his armor together, but i haven't yet inspected it. He was trained by an old member of the shire who shall we say was unique in his thought processes. It may be a uphill battle. Course then again I always say I don't know how to teach people to fight like me since i really just wing it most of the time.

I have my old blue Chevy s10 pickup back and working. Needs a new Ebrake cable and a door hinge rewelded though.

Enough for now.

1400's

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:57:48 GMT

Your result for The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test...

The Usurper

You scored 53% Cardinal, 28% Monk, 44% Lady, and 51% Knight!

You have both the lust for war of the Knight and the wicked morals of the Cardinal. You are truly a dangerous one who likes power and will stop at nothing to get it. If the king dares stand in the way of your ambitions you will have no qualms about removing him from the throne and placing yourself there instead.

You scored high as both the Knight and the Cardinal. You can try again to get a more precise description of either the Cardinal or the Knight, or you can be happy that you're an individual.

Take The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test at HelloQuizzy

Wow

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:15:34 GMT

Well i am now officially the Night Manager here at County Market. I got a raise and all the responsibility to go with it. Too bad there has been no training. I realized that all the managers here just kinda wing it, guess i fit in good.

Had a session with the head Doc. He seems to think i am too intellegent to be in a holding pattern in just about every aspect of my life. He also seems to think i exhibit the same behaviors of alot of Vets. We are working on goals and examining what is keeping me in springfield.

yes or no

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:10:21 GMT

Only two rules:
You must answer yes or no.
You may not explain unless someone asks.

1.Taken a picture naked? Yes

2. Made money illegally? yes

3. Had a one night stand? yes

4. Been in a fist fight? Yes

5. Slept with your best friend? Yes

6. Had sex in a public place? Yes

7. Ditched work to have sex? yes

8. Slept with a member of the same sex? Yes

9. Seen someone die? Yes

10. Ran from the police? Yes

11. Woke up somewhere and not remember how you got there? yes

12. Worn your partners unmentionables? no

13. Fallen asleep at work? Yes

14. Used toys in the bedroom? Yes

15.Ran a red light? Yes

16. Been fired? No

17. Been in a car accident? Yes

18. Pole danced or done a striptease? no

19. Loved someone you shouldn't? yes

20. Sang karaoke? yes

21. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yes

22. Laughed so hard you peed your pants? No

23. Caught someone having sex? Yes

24. Kissed a perfect stranger? yes

25. Shaved your partner? No

26. Given your private parts a nickname? yes

27. Ever gone in public without underwear? Yes

28. Had sex on a roof top? No

29. Played chicken? Yes

30. Mooned/flashed someone? Yes

31. Do you sleep naked? Yes

32. Blacked out from drinking? yes

33. Felt like killing someone? Yes

34. Had sex more than 5 times in one day? Yes

35. Been with someone because they were in a band? No

36. Taken 10 shots of liquor in a day? yes

37. Shot a gun? yes

38. Gone outside naked? Yes

Looking up

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:33:15 GMT

Well it is now official I am the Night Manager of the County Market supermarket on 6th street here in Springfield. Promoted in less than two months. At least something good happened. Makes me duck and cover for what the universal Karma machine is going to throw at me next.

Job

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:48:01 GMT

Well I am employed again. Its not what i want to do for a career, but it will get the bills paid for now. Thanks goes to da_baron's wife for the referral, let her know she will get her bonus.

Update

Fri, 30 May 2008 19:51:17 GMT

Well here it is my big life update. I will put it behind a cut so it doesnt junk up your freinds pages.

I have had some problems with knee pain for several years now. Within the last year it has become a very big annoyance. With a tolerance built up to the 1600mg of motrin i was taking for pain I finally broke down and got into the VA healthcare system. Was a good move as I get free meds and visits at this time. I also filed a disability claim with the VA for my knees, having my own copy of my military medical records on hand helps(dont ask). So now i have this damn laundry list of things that the VA is treating. Knee pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger and rage issues, weight, insomnia/sleeplessness, wow thats alot. I now have joined the common ranks of taking Meds everyday. 1 antidepressent, 1 antipsychotic, and a nonstandard pain med. On a good note my blood pressure was outstanding and i have lost 10 pounds the last month and a half.

In the realm of school/employment ect...... nothing is working out the way i wanted. Maybe i should join the peace corp or something. not being employeed i think may be adding to my mental and emotional deficiencies. There is a state job i applied for that would be nice to have.. Ceif of Security at McFarland Mental Health Center.

I am still dating the same girl for almost a year now. Emotionally its hard to tell whats going on. I have been kind of in a detatched state emotionally for a while now. I am sure that i love her, but am not sure if I am in love with her or ever really was. It very well could have started as a relationship of convenience on my part. I sit and try to see her in my future and its a toss up. We have some very different views on things and very different hobbies. She once asked me why none of my hobbies dealt with reality. I looked at her and said "if my hobby deals with reality it isn't a hobby." She didn't quite grasp the crossover that occurs with hobbies like the SCA. well we will see where this goes.

Hobby wise- SCA- Plan on being back this summer. I have a knee brace now and some good pain killers. Its time i get back to and surpass my fighting skills.

- Amtgard- i will probably go back at some point.

- Table top wargamming- Love it will keep it up and am going to the semifinals for the Warhammer Fantsy Ard Boyz tourney in Chitown tommorrow.

Not sure what else to write if anyone has questions ask.

In the doghouse

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:43:09 GMT

Wow, You're a Bulldog!

Bulldog
The Comedian

You may look like the troublemaker of the pack, but it turns out your tough guy mug is worse than its bite. You're really a softie, loyal to your friends and family and A-OK with meeting new pooches, but you prefer to do so with a high-five instead of a paw-shake. Proud of your great sense of humor, you've got a whole litter of jokes you draw from to keep the mood playful and the positive energy alive. A perfect afternoon for you involves a leisurely stroll with a pal, followed by a little downtime in an easy chair with a frosty can of brew and a remote control within easy fetching distance. You shed accusations of being lazy, knowing perfectly well that you're kenneling the energy you might need for... well... something.

Boot!

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:52:27 GMT

Level one

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:51:33 GMT

Cthulu pic

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:48:38 GMT

cut for space

School, Love, and Chocolate- Life Update

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:20:46 GMT

Ok I have been looking, Talking with, applying to, and have been accepted to several Tech Schools in the last couple of years. While they are for trades i am interested in personally and are financially lucrative Career wise, They didn't hit me in the core. What i mean is that i could be happy working on planes or bikes for a living, for a good living. I heard something a few weeks ago though that has stuck with me. I heard a judge tell a young lady "Find what you love to do, Then find a way to get paid for it."

So after getting the idea from stargazer_jq years ago, I sent off paperwork to the Admissions Deptments at Indiana University and the University of Bridgeport. I applied as an undergrad transfer student persuing a BA in Martial Arts Studies. At Bridgeport the program has a concentration track in either buisness, health science, or criminal justice. Both schools offer Tai Chi and Tae Kwon Do, and Indiana offers Karate.

I am heavily leaning toward the Tai Chi program. ;D

I have now been in a relationship for 9 months. Things are a Dicotomy at best. Things moved quickly with us and i think it may have been too quick. We have problems as all do, but i sometimes wonder if they are things that can really be worked out. I won't go into the particulars here, send me a private message if you are really interested in the goings on.

Employment wise life is sucking right now, I got turned down by a freakin Little Ceasers. I hate having no viable civillian skills.

My knee is not in the best shape right now. I am down to wearing a Jumpers Strap most of the time so my kneecap will track right when it moves. I know what i need to do to fix it, Acess to a gym is not an option at this point, so i am looking for resistance exercises i can do to strengthen the muscles in my knee.
I started changing my diet to cut out the majority of sugar and other things to help drop some pounds. Excess weight is not good on the knees thats for sure.

I need some new rattan, a new shield (baby jesus weeps at me saying this i know) and maybe looking into some new armor, maybe someday.

Chocolate. What else can i say.

Hhhhmmmm......

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:50:31 GMT

No suprise here

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 06:44:09 GMT

What's Your Political Philosophy?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Libertarian

Libertarians believe that you have the right to live your life as you wish, without the government interfering, as long as you donâ€™t violate the rights of others. This translates into strong protections for privacy and property rights, and a weak to non-existent social safety net.

Libertarian

100%

Pro Business Republican

95%

Green

65%

Old School Democrat

55%

New Democrat

55%

Foreign Policy Hawk

35%

Socially Conservative Republican

35%

God is Dead

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:20:39 GMT

</table>

I've got personality

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:24:45 GMT

Sci-Fi

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:23:24 GMT