Brattie

http://www.whitearmo...s/70926-eib.png I love my Cert.. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Angie Latham 70926 EIB letter Tony<br> Thank you http://www.whitearmor.net/eib/certificates/70926-eib.png

Thank you everyone for cheering me on over the past while. I am so grateful for all of your input and encouragement. I have achieved EIB status when I wasn't sure I could. I know now though that Centurion is too far out of my reach as I must take into account limitations physically that require my gear to fit me a certain way so that my movement isn't further limited. It's a bit of a pill to swallow in accepting that but it won't decrease the enjoyment I take when I wear my gear and it doesn't hurt or hinder me. I provided a bit more of an explanation on the EIB forum. The past 9 years have not been easy on me but I have endured and taken on most challenges.. I am happy with where I am.. I have two sets of gear that fit me well and are comfortable.. mostly.. Still working on a Jawa mask that doesn't melt my face over time. Laugh. I look forward to continuing to enjoy my time in my gear and have fun with those around me. Thank you all so much for all of your support!

I wanted to thank you Tony for taking all this time to go through my gear and create pictures to show adjustments. It is great to see someone like yourself putting in such an awesome effort to help so many on so many different forums. I truly appreciate it. The below is not a complaint, but more to help those that are cheering me on to keep going to understand my limitations. Changes to my gear was necessary for approval as well as ensuring I met my own physical/medical needs. Due to some medical issues I need to ensure I have some freedom and comfort within my gear. It is one of the reasons I held off on applying for EIB.. I honestly didn't think I should bother as the requirements I have for movement conflict with the requested specifications. I appreciate everyone that pushed me to try.. I wouldn't of made it this far without you. Others have helped me a great deal in making it this far and in trying to get as close as possible to the specs for each level. I can't thank them all enough and because of them I wanted to succeed. However my gear needs to fit me in a way that I can still wear it and with that certain modifications were necessary. As an example of a modification made to help with my medical situation is the "Velcro forearm". The forearm does remain closed when trooping. My right hand tends to swell sometimes. This is due to a nerve problem and in order to prevent the need to cut me out of my gear this modification was made. In the forearm picture I was showing the modification which is why it was open. The Blaster: The blaster was purchased, so I can probably file it or get a new one some day. I would expect many that have purchased their blaster from the same place as I have are experiencing this issue. The Belt: The belt was originally set 1" higher and when I went for approval I was told it was too high and had to lower it by 1" The Drop Boxes: They were originally set as you specified but during approval I was told to move them in slightly. Strapping: I had solid strapping previously however my movement was too restricted which made it so I couldn't wear the gear properly. So to ensure I could Troop and still participate I changed the straps to elastic which helps to provide full use of my limited range of movement and so I am not further restricted by excruciating bites or pinches. Range of motion was important as it's difficult to keep up with others sometimes. It feels as if we are almost sprinting during some marches. I really push my limitations to keep up so I don't stand out in a group. If I tighten up my gear I won't be able to move well or keep up and my disabilities will become more apparent. I don't want special treatment, I just want to fit in. The Shoulder Bells: AP armor, enough said? They are small and I would need to purchase bigger ones, however then the gap would be really small and prevent shoulder movement. The Rivets: The Rivets line up when using solid straps. The Forearm/Bicep: I could lower the biceps or raise the forearm.. but again.. because my arm swells, I would then not be able to remove my forearm and would have major bites constantly. I now realize that my "limitations" will prevent me from moving to Centurion but I love wearing my TK gear. If I am required to make my gear so it is extremely uncomfortable and so I can't wear it due to limitations, then I understand that I have gone as far as I can and won't seek Centurion level. I am pleased that I at least made it this far. I will always strive to ensure my gear looks as best as it can but still be functional. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Tony, I have read your threads numerous times and am in awe of your expertise and thoroughness. I am grateful that I had you reviewing my gear. Thank you

Thanks for the info on the back piece Ukswrath! It's a resin blaster so I'll have to figure out how to fix that without destroying it.

EIB approved

Thank you everyone and thanks for the awesome details and tips!

Thanks Brad.. I had issues with armor bites so I had to move them up slightly. When they were down slightly more than this I was getting bites every 2 minutes! If you look at the other poses you can see just how close they are to the bend in my arm.

Thank you!!

Keep Rootin for me guys!! Going for EIB Here so check it out and let me know your thoughts!

Name: Angie Latham ID: TK70926 FISD Name: Brattie Garrison: Canadian Garrison Armor= AP Helmet= AP Blaster= Resin Blaster optional: Height = 5'10 Gender: Female - Having a chest affects how things fit =P Boots = TK Boots Hand Plates = Rubber AP Neck Seal = Darman Zipper Neck seal Holster = AP Holster Front Sides: Back: Arms Raised: Right Side: Left Side Bucket Pictures: Lenses: Mic Tips: Bucket Seal: Neck Seal: Holster: Belt and Belt Boxes: T. Det Blaster: Back: Sides: Gloves: Armor Sniper Knee Leg Ammo: Edges of forearms: (note: forearm on right arm (Left side of picture) has Velcro due to medical condition where it needs to be open due to arm swelling at times) Notch: Strapping System and bridges: Bridges: Chest to Abs: Upper Back, Lower Back, Butt Plate Attachments: Crotch: Action Pose: I hope I didn't miss anything

Rogue One troops, xmas and all mostly behind me... I have to say it's been a BUSY December 2016!! Anyway, Wishing you all a Merry Christmas or happy whatever you celebrate! Happy new Year as well.. hopefully more fun stuff to come in the new year!

You too!! ♥

Hi all, Wanted to say hi to all those that may still be looking at my massive thread. Happy Holidays as they are quickly upon us all. Loads have changed for me and my Biker Scout was sold. It sucks but in the long run I guess it'll be better. That's all for now

We are at 60 pages. I just don't have it in me anymore. I am selling my TB Gear due to the lack of good information in order to build it accurately and it's left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I just couldn't find the information to continue forward. I couldn't justify the financial struggle it was creating with such a lack of information. So.. the gear is going. I have to send a big shout out to SC and Jeff -> He was awesome and did his best to help me at every turn. I will still have my Jawa and TK. I hope to clean them up a bit more down the road as well. Over all - > It's a sad day. With so much in my life right now and so many negatives, I need a positive win.. I just don't see one in the near future. So, I am closing down my Build thread as well. Stepping away from all of this stuff.. To any that use my thread and find it helpful.. I'm glad. I wish you all the best in your journey. To the friends I've made here.. thank you for your support and I wish you all the best. I'm tired of having to think so much about every post. So tired of each line I type being picked apart while some look for something to bother me about or to complain to others about. I don't need this crap. Dealing with family illness and financial struggles ahead is enough of a worry than having idiots bothering me about something that is suppose to be fun. I wish all of you well. "tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy." Issac Newton “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss “Every person has there secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a person cold when they are only sad.” Henry Longfellow “there are two types of people in the world: those who prefer to be sad among others, and those who prefer to be sad alone.” Nicole Krauss "The Ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival" Aristotle "We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival" Winston Churchill. I leave you with my favorite song from my favorite game character of all time..

I threw this together using Paint and Power Point.. kinda cool.. the Three Troopers in the front right are actually (from left to right).. Me, Knockerbot and Squeaky Stormtrooper.

Well.. so I discovered how horrible Photo bucket is to use and within our grand FISD people are talking about how to utilize Facebook for photos.. there's a thread.. it's under the help forum.. and well.. as you can see (hopefully) with the two photos above.. it works! So I have been very quiet lately about a lot of stuff and it's mostly because I get tired of hearing about all the BS and then people talking behind my back about things I say or do. I have never totally understood why some people spend so much time complaining about what I or shouldn't do. How about they just worry about themselves? It gets really annoying to have other people whine to others about things I did or didn't do. I get tired of this 2 year old crap quickly. To all you people out there that have never been a whiner or backstabbing ich (you know what I wanted to say) - hats off to you - I'm sorry that you've had to listen to me go off about this subject. It's really none of those whiners business what I do and they should mind their own business. That being said.. yes I have been a little moody.. but who wouldn't be.. I have people complaining about everything I do here or outside of here, and I have all my own issues and problems to deal with. I have massive debts my x left me with and on top of that there is something that I have kept really quiet. Like not even going to post a single thing on Facebook about it.. but in this semi private forum.. I'll say that a family member was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it's in it's advanced stages so there's not much they can do. So they are very sick and oh look.. it's Birthday month.. blah. So as usually around this time of year I begin my hibernation. When I say hibernation.. I am talking about how I book time off of work around the day of my birth because I want nothing to do with anyone. Laugh. It's a hard thing for me. I was adopted and although I love my family very much, there has always been a hole in my heart for years and years so this date was never really special to me, it's just a date. I found my birth mother when I was 23 and going through hell. My Adoptive parents were awesome and supportive, and my birth mother and I chat now and then.. but that hole inside me.. that empty space, just never feels full. There are a lot of unknowns. I know a bit about my birth father but not a lot.. so there is an emptiness especially around this time of year. There are 12 days of Christmas and NONE OF THEM ARE IN NOVEMBER!!! Anyway, I won't talk about how I <-- and note here that I said "I" (pronounced EYE) feel that it's disrespectful to the men and women of the military and those that lost their lives so we could have all we have today. I stress that this is how I (meaning myself) feel so all the Forking idiots won't blather on about how they feel it's okay... don't want that crap in my thread thanks so go away. Back to the Birthday bit... over the many years I've had attempts made to make it a "special" day ... - eye roll - Every time someone tried to do something nice.. something Horrific happened. My Mother for my champagne birthday (For those that don't know.. that's the birthday when you turn the same age as the date of your birth) and the day before this giant surprise birthday.. she has to go in for emergency heart surgery. So it was cancelled. Six years ago she had a valve replaced on my Birthday. That was fun times! <- sarcasm Anyway, the past few years I've been thankful for still being alive after a few of my own close calls with things, but as many of you know that have met me, I'm pretty down to earth and not someone that parties "hard". I like to hang out and have a good time but my drinking days left me when I was 20. When I say drinking days as I'm sure I'll have to clarify to the morons that are trying to pick all this apart to complain about me some more.. I am referring to the going out and getting smashed and acting like an idiot. The next two months ahead I know are going to be difficult. With the day mentioned above, and all those I've lost in the past during these months, I just have a hard time thinking good times are ahead in November and December. With the news of a Family Member - not immediate, but someone I care about falling ill to cancer.. well it's just another go around in these crappy months. Moment of Nov/Dec silence for: Sammie/Jessie, Maryanne, Cami, Steve, Darryl, Jeff, Michael, Violet, Andy, Mildred, Jim, Derek and Dan <- miss you guys Hopefully not adding another to that list any day soon... So back to Star Wars.. On top of the above there is the ongoing frustration of the Biker Scout build.. which by the way is still mostly sitting in the box. Something else that depresses me every day as I have yet to find good information on 90% of what I need and very little details on the best way to handle some of the build. I'm an information kind of girl. I don't just "wing it". The reason for this I found out is that original measurements and such for Biker Scouts have never left the archives. So basically every TB out there is "winging" it with their stuff. Which I think is crazy. - deep breath - Hate being such a downer.. sometimes life sucks ya know! Well, that's the end of this round of blabbering buffoonery. Perhaps understanding a little more about me will help some of these jerks shut their mouths and mind their own business. In the end, life sucks sometimes.. and it knocks you down and beats you up.. hits you with a bat, runs you over, kicks you a few times and then slaps you in the face. Then runs you over again with a truck, then a steamroller, then hits you with a satellite, before cutting you in half and gluing you back together again. Then beats you up again by pouring lava all over you just when you think you can see the light at the end of the tunnel as a little reminder that it can still get worse.. I could go on and on but all that isn't what makes me who I am... nope.. It's going through all that crap.. all that pain.. all those challenges... and just when life thinks it's beaten me for the last time.. I turn around and get back up again.. Every day I get up and keep pushing forward. Some would say I am a glutton for punishment and I might just agree. Anyway, thanks for listening and being a part of this roller coaster of a build and journey with me. Until next time, wishing you all good health,much love and tons of happiness! ~*~brattie ~*~ https://youtu.be/nmy113gMds0

Went out for Halloween, Was good times.. last trooping for me most likely until December where I have one on the books so far.. other than that.. I think overall I did well for my first few months. I need to do some glove repairs. The glue isn't sticking on the rubber hand guard so I need to redo it. Other than that the gear has held up. I had pictures to share but Tap-Talk isn't co-operating today. Halloween 2016 Boo in her Jawa - We cut the eyes out of her old mask to help her vision. I also attached a flashlight to the bottom of my plastic blaster so we had a flashlight for walking around. The Yoda is a friends little one that wanted to walk with the cool Star Wars people. lol. Pretending to wait for the bus.. Laugh - Taking a break to rest Boo's feet. Were on a 3 hour hike Thanksgiving weekend.

Ride - Twenty One Pilots: Speeder bike - Retexted I just wanna stay on Endor where I find. I know it's hard sometimes. Pieces of Ewoks in the sun's peace of mind, I know it's hard sometimes. Yeah, I think about killing them way too much, But it's fun to fantasize. On my enemies who wouldn't wish who I was, But it's fun to fantasize Oh, oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my speeder bike, Oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my speeder bike, Taking my time on my speeder bike "I'd die for Vader, " that's easy to say. We have a list of leaders that we would take A bullet for them, a bullet for Vader. A bullet for everybody on the death star, But I don't seem to see many bullets coming through, See many bullets coming through Metaphorically, I'm a Biker Scout, But literally, I don't know what I'd do. "I'd live for Vader, " and that's hard to do, Even harder to say when you know it's not true, Even harder to write when you know Skywalker is right There were people back home who tried talking to Vader, But then he force choked them still, All these questions they're for real. Like "Who would you live for?", "Who would you die for?", And "Would you ever kill Ewoks?" Oh, oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my Speeder Bike, Oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my Speeder Bike, Taking my time on my Speeder Bike I've been thinking too much, I've been thinking too much, I've been thinking too much, I've been thinking too much, (help me) I've been thinking too much (I've been thinking too much), I've been thinking too much (Help me), I've been thinking too much (I've been thinking too much), I've been thinking too much Oh, oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my Speeder Bike, Oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time, Taking my time on my Speeder Bike, Oh, oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my Speeder Bike, Oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my, I've been thinking too much, Help me, I've been thinking too much, Help me

Alright.. Next topic! How lucky we are on FISD. You may not know this, but I am on many forums. I am part of other build sites and forums and continually try to research things. Out of all of the Build sites and forums FISD is the best. It has the fan base, and activity to truly help people through their builds. I want to be clear that this is in no way bad mouthing the other sites, but merely stating a point. With the amount of people within FISD that are actively researching this specific build there is a plethora of information and details on the "how to" of build related items. Other sites lack the activity, knowledge, skills, and information to provide a time proven method of research and building. Recently I asked questions regarding a new build I am working on, and found that not ONE SINGLE film accurate complete costume has been measured or cataloged in order to provide a solid basis of measurements to 100% accurately reproduce that build. This means when you put money into the build you are flying by the seat of your pants. At any time if pieces of that build are finally measured your gear could become obsolete. Why are measurements so important? I have an analytical mind. I work on specific and accurate measurements. Yes I could look at screen shots, however doing so still provides opportunity for errors as you are guesstimating measurements and placements for cuts, openings and holes. It raises the question on How can a costume be approved to be screen accurate without full knowledge of all the measurements? Not only does it make it difficult for those reviewing your gear, but also causes issues when the costumer has to apply for approval. I think it would go something like this: Costumer "Well in picture A and B it LOOKS like this part is here" GML / Approver "yes but in Picture C and D it LOOKS like that part is here and here" So who is right and wrong? Are we all then just flying by the seat of our pants and guessing? Do we all then bow to the idea of the product from those that would approve the costume? Would each GML / Approver be the same then? It poses a lot of questions. When big dolla bills are involved (yeah got a little gangsta there! LOL ) having this opportunity for differences of opinions without an accurate measured base can be a problem. Lucky for me I have an awesome GML / Approver so I'm sure everything will eventually work out. But no idea if that is a guarantee for others then. So the point to this ramble is that all of you within this forum should be extremely grateful for all of the advice, information and education you received from one of the busiest forums in our fan base. A forum that provides you with EVERY detail necessary to complete the best build possible for your size, and personality. Hats off to FISD.. I'm so glad I found you all. ~*~ Brattie ~*~

No worries Torok. Alright peoples.. Wow.. this thread just keeps going and going eh? <-- yes I know.. Canadian Thing.. So today we are going to discuss.. Troop Etiquette and How not to piss people off in forums and overall in general. Troop Etiquette: Things I have found helped me Remember that you are representing fans all over the world that love Star Wars and costuming just as much as you do. So act the part! Goofing around and having fun is great!!!! Just remember that sexual poses or other inappropriate gestures are not cool. Think of all the kids and people that love Star wars watching a Storm Trooper going down the street doing Michael Jackson impersonations grabbing their crotch every few minutes or something.. BLECK! Keep it real! Act your Part! So How does a TK Act? They are Military based. Do your research. Anyway, when arriving at a Troop here are some things that I have found helpful: Introduce yourself to the event organizer. Be Polite and listen to their needs Ask if they have any special requirements for you. (Is there anywhere they want you at a specific time?) Ask for a tour or directions to the area that they'd like you to set up or to spend time Walk the venue ** Extremely important to do before suiting up as you get an idea of the "lay of the land" and can note any obstructions or points for possible trip hazards or other dangers when in costume with limited vision HAVE FUN! You are there to have fun. If you are grouchy and being an old bugger you aren't going to have fun and your mood will be sensed by EVERYONE around you. Take a chill pill. You aren't anyone special. You are a person in a costume THERE TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE. Sorry if I burst your bubble on that last one. It is true. Thinking you are above everyone else or something along those lines doesn't make you anything but annoying and a forking snob. No one wants to be around that. You aren't there for YOU either.. you are there to support the event and to have fun. REMEMBER THAT and stop being such a "you know what that starts with a B and seems to itch!". This goes for other peoples costumes as well. Just because they don't look perfect doesn't mean you should make negative comments. You don't know their story. All Costumers should be supportive of ALL Costumers.. no matter their theme, or background. PERIOD. Funny story: On the last troop we were at a library and there were a few costumers. One group thought it was best to sit in a circle facing each other and not talk much with anyone. After they wondered why no one wanted pictures with them. The other Group ventured around the event, interacted with others and were in a lot of pictures.. gee I wonder why? Anyway.. on to the funny bit of all of this.. there was this one.. "Creature" I'm going to call it.. a furry.. I say it because I don't know if it was a male or female figure.. the individual within was male which I discovered from elevator chat later on. This guy was just as hot and uncomfortable as we were! Laughs. He was awesome though.. he was blue and white and squeaked a lot. LOL.. Wow could he play his part. His movements and gestures were amazing. I love bumping into amazing costumers like that! So much fun to interact with. What I find so extremely funny about it all is that neither of us broke character roles but still interacted in the most peculiar way at a fish tank and a few other "encounters" around the event. I still don't know what the furry was.. some sort of fox like creature I'm guessing. My thoughts on How not to piss people off in forums With all that said.. lets move on to the next portion of our chat today.. How NOT to piss people off in Forums. Everyone has an opinion and that's good. We are all individuals with our own brains and yadda yadda yadda... When people have CONSTRUCTIVE criticism it can be helpful and help sort out issues or make things better. (for the morons out there.. Constructive means -> Intending to improve or promote development; having a use) The problems come when people make odd comments offering tips that come across as if you are a moron or something and don't know anything. It's in how you put it. Some are careful as Text type can be taken different ways. Most find people that offer NON-constructive.. or destructive comments as being a snob or elitest. These are comments that come across as if the person leaving the comment is better than any of the other 10000 people around the world that are also costuming and doing things. So when leaving a post.. leave your troubles, and grouchiness out of it. be pleasant, read and re-read your comments before posting. Be sure they won't come across as snobbish or like a know it all. Not everyone is the same, and not everyone is trying to reach some impossible perfection state with their gear. Most want it to look good but not all are going to the extreme. The next part of this is when you are leaving comments.. think before you type. What can I say? How can I say this and come across clearly without sounding like a a very impolite person? Read and Re-read over and over again until you are sure that your comments can't be taken any other way. Don't complain about people you post to off forum. If you have a problem or issue in a forum, Address it IN THE FORUM. For example: If you know someone that you post with on a forum, and you don't like something they are doing. Don't whine like a baby to other people about it. <- This REALLY pisses people off. They are their own person and can make their own minds up. It is NONE of your business how they do things or what they are doing unless they have asked you directly. Going to chat with friends about another person and what they are doing will do nothing but make people not want to talk/deal with you anymore. I hate whiners. Hearing that people are whining about me or are talking behind my back about my build or my stuff.. then stupidly thinking that I won't hear about it or that it won't get back to me.. wow.. who's the moron now right? It ALWAYS gets back to the people and sometimes it ends up worse than it actually was intended. Especially when they see you outside of the forum and act all buddy buddy with you.. pfft.. can you say.. loser. LOL In this case remember the old saying "If you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all!" That being said.. the purpose in these threads is to leave constructive ideas and helpful direction. These comments provide insight into experiences from your own builds. That doesn't mean it will be the same as the other person so remember that when leaving comments to others. I don't know everything, and I'm not afraid to say it. I will be honest with everyone I speak with. When it comes to advice I prefer to offer options or ideas, suggestions or relate experiences from my past leaving openness for creative growth. My way is never the only way, it's merely what worked for me and I do my best to ensure it comes across that way. I enjoy sharing my follies during my build, laughing at myself at some of the things I've done, passing on knowledge to assist others with their build. OMG.. the day I sneezed all over my armor comes to mind.. BLECK.. never work on armor with a cold! Laughs.. You should TRY to be light and happy in your posts.. not everyone is trying to beat the rest of the world in some competition to make their armor "better than" everyone else. With all that being said I have thoroughly enjoyed many of the conversations during this thread. Thank you to most of those that have posted. Yes this is a build thread.. but it is also a journey into what happens along the way. So I AM SO SORRY (NOT) if you don't like that my thread is 60 pages.. but you won't find a more accurate trip than this one. All the ups and downs included. If you are an admin of this forum, that's a different story, otherwise.. mind your own beez-wax! Remember there is no "i" in Team.. Together Everyone Achieves More... this doesn't say "One person knows everything and they are the only correct way of doing things so only listen to them" When posting on forums, don't edit and change your post 10000 times.. if you make a mistake fix it, but don't change it every 5 minutes. After the 5 minute mark.. post a new reply or post with updates or adjustments. That way it reduces confusion on the forums. You never know if someone is replying to you as you are fixing things and then their post makes no sense afterwards. Remember the B's Be happy, Be kind Be appreciative - there are other forums and NONE offer as much information or help as FISD Be respectful, and don't talk behind people's backs.. it always.. and I do mean Always gets back to them. I like the "Suzi seat kicker" reminders from the movie so I'll say this.. Don't be a Crabby Craig - by leaving negative comments or acting as if you know everything. and/or Don't be a Winnie the Whiner - talking behind peoples backs No one likes Crabby Craigs or Winnie the Whiners and it just pisses people off... Well that's all for now.. ta-ta and stay safe! ~*~ Brattie ~*~

If you have the right stuff you can always make something work! Laughs

Another fun troop. People would think that troops at a Library are boring but they are fun! Anyway.. stories from Brattie Land.. Lesson 1: Never leave your bucket in a warm car! So.. at the Library event we went to I had left my bucket in the car for only 30 minutes.. well.. with the sun beating down it caused an issue with the padding. It seems heat means that the velcro doesn't like to stick.. or keep sticking to the helmet!! .. During the troop I suddenly had a pad sliding down in front of my face and I casually pinned it to the front with my cheek.. Laugh. Anyway.. the Industrial strength velcro doesn't seem to do this as much.. so I'll be picking up some more black velcro on my next trip to Micheal's art store! But wait.. why would you need all that velcro!?? Well.. at the same troop.. a fellow trooper forgot the straps to go from his belt to his thighs.. lucky for him I had a wad of Velcro in my repair kit. So he was able to come up with a quick fix for strapping and join us on the troop. We had so much fun! Always have a repair kit.. Always be prepared for odd funny things to happen.. and be aware of the effects your environment and surroundings have on your gear... Like heat with Velcro and what Cold does to plastic! Stay safe and have fun! ~*~ Brattie ~*~

Hi Guys!! Yes I'm still around.. haven't had much to say lately to be honest.. things are slowing down with winter coming and I've received my next build.. a Biker Scout.. I've completed the helmet portion but have loads to wait on for funds to purchase gloves and a flight suit and all sorts of that stuff.. soooooooo there's not much happening.. I was mega sick over last week with HammerPlague.. seems a lot of us that went to the comic con got sick.. blah.. I ended up with a serious eye infection as well. Loads of fun there! Below is a picture that I call "Picture of my Inner Soul" Anyway.. life sucks.. but that happens now and then.. On the plus side.. I received some of the legion patches I ordered ages ago. Seems I got lost in the threads but they found me and got it sorted.. awesome!! All in all I'm just tired. Some days I just don't know about all of this.. I love it.. don't get me wrong.. but it's money I could put into other things.. its' times like that when I decide to go for a walk through the local park in my gear. It seems to give me time to recharge my inner star wars and remind myself just how much I feel at home in my gear. This was over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and it was fun. That's Boo.. my niece.. (Not really blood related but as I'm her aunt.. well.. Laugh) Anyway.. during this walk about we also went to the local Police department.. Gave them all a big Happy Thanksgiving surprise and thanked them for all they do.. The detectives and officers were truly grateful for our little pop in.. I like to keep up good relations with them so they know who I am and that I'm a costumer in the area. With that said.. if you plan on trooping in public at non-events don't carry a weapon and also check in with your local law enforcement.. be sure to talk to the community liaison officer and such. It really helps them to know who you are and helps you to have fun and not have to worry about some moron calling the police about some crazy person in the park wearing a mask. Laugh. Well that's all for now guys... I am planning on some more tweaks to my gear in the coming weeks.. I want to figure out some more padding.. In saying that I also want to express something to the new people out there.. Our gear is not comfortable at first. You are putting on semi-ridged pieces of plastic that bite and rub in the most uncomfortable ways. As time passes you tweak your gear, get advice from others and eventually sort it out.. I was in my gear for this walk for over 3 hours without a single bite or issue.. but that was after MONTHS of tweaking.. Don't get discouraged.. your gear does get better and you learn how to best adjust it to fit your body type and movement. For me I really like having pads inside thigh armor near the knee.. it REALLY helps prevent twist and bites. Keep your head up and keep on troopin' -~*~- Brattie -~*~-