Ive always been a star wars nut since the day I saw Episode 4. Ive watched the movies more times than I can remember and I make a point of watching them all in a row at least once a year. I love them more every time I do. Ive also always wanted to be a Storm Trooper. Always wanted the white armor.
I have friends who like Star Wars but not on the level that I do. Im blessed with a loving wife that thankfully might even love SW more than me!
The problem Im facing now and one that has really started to become more apparent is that besides my wife and couple very close friends I do not have anyone else to share my Storm trooper hobby with in my home town. I come from a small city where guys hunt, fish, golf, play hockey and watch sports on TV. Anything else isnt acceptable here. When I go to the hardware store and ask for styrene sheets or sandpaper or glue or any of the many many tools and materials needed to work on TK armor the first thing the person working the eisles askes is "What are you using this for?" How do you answer? I pretty much tell the truth. "Im building stormtrooper armor." It is amazing how many deer in the headlight looks you get after that.... I was shocked and dismayed to discover how many poor souls dont even know what a stormtrooper is! So after getting that blank look a few times I started replying with "Have you ever seen Starwars?" And if they say yes I would go into more detail. If they said no I wouldnt even bother continueing asking for their help in finding products.
At work (Im a construction worker) we talk about sports, the weather, what we did last night or what we are doing on the weekend. I started trying to tell the truth again. Big mistake. Telling your co-workers your working on your E-11 this weekend gets mixed responses. Some guys who actually like starwars movies are interested and even ask some questions. But mostly the response is negative. My hobby is considered imature and silly to the beer swilling football watching weekend golf heros that most average dudes are. Im getting depressed. For the first time in my life Iam questioning my hometown and why I stay in it when Im so different.
Im loving my new hobby. Im turning a rubies set into something to be proud of. Ive got my hands on a fantastic TE RotJ lid. Ive got a complete set almost ready to unveil. I did my own hasbro mod. I want to do more! I will own a TM one day. I want to renovate my garage and make it into a TK workshop. My wife is researching Scout trooper armor and already made her Scout blaster! (It looks sweet) I want to join the 501st and go trooping. I want to be able to wear my armor on more than just halloween.
There is no 501st near me. Literally the closest detachement is Winnipeg Manitoba (8 hour drive). Followed by Minneapolis (8 hours) and then Toronto (18 hour drive). In the town I live in Iam probably the only person out of 120000 with Stormtrooper armor. If there is a bright center to the universe im in the city that is farthest from
So what do I do? Iam a licensed tradesmen (Sheetmetal worker) I have an international stamp and can work in CAN or USA. I know my wife would love to move to a city where she can return to her old career in book publishing. She moved up to my hometown and left a great job in New York for me.
Im sorry to ramble I just want to get my thoughts out. And you guys Im sure share some of the same experiences so there really isnt anyone else to tell that would understand. Im seriously thinking about pulling up roots and moving to a place where we can enjoy our chosen hobby and also find work in the fields we both want.