Brattie

- Clears throat and stands on soap box for a moment - I want to take a moment to thank everyone.. and to say... I'M IN!!!!!

Can I get access to the FISD 501st areas please http://501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=21715 DZ 70926 This jawa wants to borrow all your boots!

Alright.. so continuing the Journal part of this Journey.. I have to say.. thank goodness our GML is such a great guy! I know I'm new and not sure how everything works completely, but talk about patience and taking the time to talk about each thing and wanting to work through each challenge and help you along.. that is our GML. I'm so glad he's not an A-hole or I'd be lost in never never land by now. I was lucky enough to have a nice long chat between work interruptions with our GML yesterday. He checked in on the status of my jawa approval and we talked about all the different things for my Jawa. Just goes to show how much of a "Family" our local people are and how much they are willing to do to help others. Our chats leave me wanting to get my rear in gear and make the necessary changes, adjustments and strive for more excellence with my gear. It relaxes me to have a direction and eases my mind by reminding me that I'm not alone with all of this. So I have to say.. a huge Thanks to our GML.. look forward to working with you more as the Journey continues..

Mark sent the helmets for the orders he had out as soon as they were ready. There is a line up of orders to complete. I have him (his builder) doing some things for me as I don't have a lot of space. So I knew it would take some extra time. I've just sent off an email asking for an update on how things are progressing. Last I had heard (2.5 weeks ago) they were completing 3 orders a week. So mine should be ready any day now.. but who knows. It's why I'm seeking an update.

Just delays in stuff.. I needed to figure out some things and sort out some other items as well as measurements and all that stuff. They are doing some things for me. It'll get here.. hopefully.

So.. I have been thinking about what to say in the thread... I guess I've hit the low that most hit at this point in the waiting game. Sitting.. waiting.. watching for news on parts, deliveries, etc. Waiting to hear about stuff.. I don't allow myself to get too excited about things these days as they just don't seem to happen when they should and if I expect them then I end up disappointed. I have enough disappointment in my life.. The excitement is gone. It truly is. I am sure it will return at a later date.. but for now.. I wait.. and wait.. and hope for news on one front or another. I have tried to convince myself that this is all just the "coming down" phase from the rush it was participating in Relay for Life and although I was the only star wars person there deep down I knew I was doing it for Maryanne. She was my dearest friend and I miss her everyday. She passed Dec 16th 2014 of Bone cancer. On Saturday at Relay for Life.. every encounter with kids and adults I could see and feel her laughing along with everyone as they had some fun with this crazy Jawa person in over 30 degree blistering heat.. I know I'll have a few changes I think I'll make to my Jawa down the road.. I have been researching more on what people are doing to help make sure their eyes are more visible in the daylight. Having the veil to mask your face also masks the eyes it seems. That was disappointing, but I've now found a few other ideas and may start working towards that. I hope to meet up with another Jawa eventually and trade notes. I am sure they'd be more experienced than I would on it all. My goal was to get my TK done before the start of summer.. now I'm not sure on the end of the summer.. I'm unsure of everything.. I just feel like I'm talking to myself some days... and no I'm not talking about the supplier or anything like that so please.. I don't want to hear any negatives.. I have enough of those on my own. I was raised with the "if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all". I don't want a pity party either... that's not me. I am trying to be patient with everything. I am perfectly happy with the logical process that things that take more time will be done right whereas things done quickly can have many issues. My annoyance in things right now is a lack of communication within my body. My Brain and heart just don't seem to want to talk. The best way to describe how I feel right now is to picture my heart acting like a teen slamming her bedroom door angry at the world. My Brain is locked up in a small dark office busy balancing books and sorting out deadlines for work. Meanwhile my soul is on vacation and my stomach is fighting with my subconscious over the amount of money I've spent which has left my emotions on a roller coaster with no one manning the stop button. Does that make sense? Anyway.. back to watching at the clock.. tick.. tick.. tick

Good Morning, No word yet. I had to darken the lighter parts, but that's done now. Anyway.. still waiting on the approval bit. On other news.. I did it! I walked a total of 26kms in Relay for Life which amounts to 22 laps around the track. 12 of those laps in my Jawa costume, 4 of the 12 Jawa walks took place when it was 30 degrees. They said to challenge yourself, and I did! Here I am with the Medics: And Below some Luminaries for our Team etc.

Thanks guys.. you have all been so awesome. I can't wait to get going on my TK build.. but first things first I am sure I'll have a few small adjustments to make to the Jawa... That being said.. I have submitted for 501st approval... I'll be working with my awesome GML now to make the necessary adjustments or such to get the Jawa 100% approved. Soo I'll be joining the ranks.. maybe not as I had hoped in my TK first.. but that's okay.. I want to have a few outfits to wear.. and I made the Relay for Life deadline. All in all.. happy I am.

One down.. now just have to wait for my TK stuff to arrive and I'll start on it too!!!

Well.. we are approaching Page 44 .. there is a lot to be said to all that have donated to this journey of mine to the 501st and soon it will be drawing to a close. I have had a few comment about the length of my build thread.. but as stated in the title.. this is a JOURNEY to the 501st.. it's a journal in a way of all the challenges, triumphs and failures faced during this trip and of all the people that have stood up to offer help. So with that.. here is my latest entry into this thread... My Jawa is going to be the first entry into the 501st within the next week most likely. I am disappointed in this, but at the same time so very excited. I will still continue my build thread here with my TK but hopefully.. pending approval.. I'll be in the 501st.. and the journey will be over. That being said... I wanted to take a moment to say a few things. First.. Thanks guys! Advice for others: For any newbie reading this.. hang on tight if you are just starting your builds.. it is a roller coaster of emotions... here are just a few of them... Nervousness: Ordering expensive items from individuals you have never met nor heard of and investing large quantities of funds in them hoping to receive a product that will be up to snuff. Frustration: Wait times, different views on each item, CRLs, Screen shots, trying to find the best information to prepare you for this journey, hearing from the plethora of people that have walked this road before and still hitting road blocks as you face the challenge of the build. Paint schemes, weathering, etc. All fun but somewhat frustrating as you try so very hard to match what you can to make it "movie accurate" Exhaustion: Hours, days, weeks, months of work after your normal job, and continuing onward as you build your gear, make different things, adjust each part, and fit it all into your regularly scheduled work day / weekend / etc. Burning the candle at both ends trying to prepare even for the build ahead, investing massive amounts of time trying to ensure you have all the information you need for each item and each part of your build. I could go through every feeling and have some reference to this build process!! Now at this point you might think I'm being negative. I'm not, this is the truth about building stormtrooper armor. Even after your build is completed there will be, maintenance, repairs, adjustments, and armor bites. So get use to it now. Through all of that however, I doubt "dear newbie/recruit" that you will find a single person here that is not happy with what they have accomplished. That doesn't love trooping and putting smiles on peoples faces. That doesn't bask in the joy of being a plastic space man or woman!! A friend laughed at me just yesterday when I spoke about all of this and how amazing this group of people is as they try to do a little bit of good Some people don't understand and may never "get it" If you aren't aware that you are going to face some ridicule over your choices to become a character of the movie. If you can't handle that... then you have a lot of thinking to do. You will have to weigh the pros and cons but before you judge.. Perhaps my Build thread will give you an idea of it all.. the pauses, the jokes, the music, all just trying to keep myself from pulling out my hair as this journey moves forward.. and even when it seems paused.. it is still moving. If you still aren't sure then I would suggest that you should head out to an event.. watch the 501st, talk to them, see just how great this group of people can be. I know some members of the Canadian Garrison. The members I have met by doing that exact thing. They would be best described as a huge family, it's the only word that fits this group of people. They are always checking in on each other, willing to just chat, wanting to help each other and in the process doing good things. No one is alone when you are part of a team. (T.E.A.M -> Together Everyone Achieves More) Politics Recently I learned about the politics side of everything. Within that experience was a great lesson. We are talking about a huge group consisting of thousands of members all wanting to do good things. It's best to think of it as an organization which requires some understanding and rules to help keep things in order and everyone safe. I will say that I have yet to see or hear about a single "rule" that I don't agree with. I was very thankful to those that took the time to chat with me about "non-501st" events and how to handle different things. Or about them asking me to write what I did a few posts ago so others too could share in that lesson. (Read about it here) Think about it... How in the hell would I know if I didn't have these people to ask? I can't thank them enough. As a "newbie / recruit" we are all new to this and if you think you are going to continue on this journey without making mistakes, then you are truly in for some challenges. The only way to see what a person is made of is by watching how they handle failure/mistakes. Do they take it, get upset but still learn from it? Do they get back up and try again? Do they wallow in their grief and whine and crawl off to some hole to spend the rest of eternity crying over one mistake or challenge???? Yoda Moment I urge you all to make mistakes, live your life but don't fear errors.. for how do you learn if you don't try. how can you try if you are afraid of errors.. how can you learn if you don't make mistakes? Just keep your chin up and ask for help.. there are tons here willing to offer assistance.. you aren't alone. The Chain that binds us There is a chain of command for a reason and I know my place right now is at the bottom of that chain. I have a long way to go and a lot of experience to gain before I can offer my hand and support to others.. but first my journey starts here. It starts in this forum, trying to figure out how to glue, snap, stick, and paint plastic pieces to create something awesome and in the process get to know others.. and them getting to know me. Change management If you don't expect to change during this journey you are in for a big surprise. I don't mean just costumes/characters. I am talking about changing who you are as a person. So I have had to switched gears numerous times and you will as well. My focus right now is on a Jawa build. I named her Soka (a character name). By doing this it will give me more time and less of that "rush" feeling with regards to getting the TK build completed. You can easily stitch fabric.. it's hard to fix a mistake with plastic. I'd rather take my time and so should you. With costume/character changes you will face doubts. I never thought I could be a Jawa. "I'm too tall", "Jawas are meant for kids" yadda yadda yadda. I had to remind myself that there are tall jawas in the movies and I can have just as much fun with that. To be honest I think the Jawa character suits my personality a bit more.. I like to have a bit of fun.. but with that .. the dream of being a real life plastic Space woman will never die.. So what is all this blabbering buffoonery about? Prepare for Change If you aren't prepared for the change that takes place during this journey and that you will find out what you are made of.. then you are not prepared for this at all.

Probably Next week Need to: Find Black Gloves Put wraps on Boots Make some small adjustments to the bandoliers

Build Update!! Yes that's right.. I have an update.. My Jawa.. is Almost done!

Today's song. Going to be focusing on my blaster.. sanding, drilling out some spots to replace a piece etc.

I spend most of my time helping others. I do nothing but help my neighbors and yet last night the disrespect that I overheard as two neighbors started talking crap about me not knowing that I was at the window washing dishes. this is how I feel today.. I cut 5 lawns on a regular basis because these buggers are sick, or can't get to it. We have elderly people around too. Everyone is struggling. But why take it out on me? Why make fun of me for doing something I like? I help remove old tree stumps, do yard work, and all sorts of other stuff and yet even though I spend all this time doing good things for others.. I have to put up with that? Sighs.. Just a bad day all around.

Alright.. it is all a learning experience! This is something all recruits and soon to be members should know. It was a great learning experience on what to do especially when I'm super excited about getting out and trooping. So here's what happened: I have posted about doing work with Relay for Life and raising money. It is hoped that I will be able to participate in the event with my Jawa costume or my TK. I started asking friends... some of the 501st and some not, if they'd join me at the event to hang out and support me in this cause... Then I started hearing all this stuff about how bad it could be to do this and that some were hesitant about coming. I freaked!!! I had no idea what to do!!! I didn't want any issues. I then learned that participating in a non-501st event could be tricky So what did I do? When in Doubt... ASK!!! I asked another high ranking garrison member and the local Garrison GML for advice. It was the best thing I could have done!! There is a very fine line with events and representation of the 501st. Everyone needs to be careful if it's a non-501st event. Remember that you are there on your own as a costumer and it's important to be sure that there isn't any confusion with this issue. Generally speaking any event that you participate in should be through a request form for 501st events once you are a member. This is because no one would want an event organizer thinking the 501st is involved in activities that the command and legion did not know about. It is alright to do what you want with your costume. You own it. As a "soon to be member" you don't want people thinking you are "a member" of the 501st when you aren't YET (YET being the important thing), so be careful with what you say. Example: If I said I was "hoping to become a 501st member" at a non-501st event that could lead to someone telling someone else that "that person is going to be in the 501st" and then as chatter spreads it could turn into "that person is in the 501st". Have you ever played the game "operator"? You have now entered the realm of misrepresentation. You don't want that. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Things to remember: 1)When at a Non-501st event it is important to ensure you are there on your own and should not in any capacity refer to yourself as a member of the 501st. It is not acceptable to misrepresenting yourself (member or not) as 501st as it is very problematic. 2)Ensure when changing it's done in a private place. Don't have large 501st badges and such displayed as this could lead to a problem 3)Ensure the Event Organizer is aware that you are there on your own and not as a member of the 501st. 4)If you plan to carry your prop weapon, it's helpful to check with the Event Organizer and the local Police. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am so grateful to my friends here and for all of their support and I'd never want to have issues with anyone. I look forward to my future with the 501st and to supporting so many great causes. I hope all find this helpful as a little advice to help you stay on the right track. Have fun and good trooping!!

What do you call stormtroopers playing Monopoly? Game of Clones

Update: Slight set back on a few things.. but that's okay.. trying to sort out where to go from here but hoping still to have something ready by the RFL. A little stressed out but going one day at a time. Drawing SW funnies seems to help a bit.. enjoy!

awww James.. The laugh I needed. Thank you I l♥ve it!

Alright, I haven't heard back from the FISD staff so I'm gathering that it's okay to talk about the Charity thing I'm doing. On June 11th I will be participating in Relay for Life in Brampton, Ontario. (This is not a 501st event) I have spoken with the Event Coordinator and Star Wars costumes and such are permitted and she loved the idea of having some of my friends around in their gear as well. Unfortunately, the school at the event will be closed so it will be parking lot changing, and we are waiting on information on if Blasters etc are permitted. If you are interested in more information on this event please let me know... I am representing Team Heartandsoul and walking for my friend Maryanne that died in 2014 of bone cancer and I have offered to walk for Marshal as well! He's a little 5 year old that has been posted about on FISD and FB. UPDATE: I spoke to the Coordinator and she advised that they are okay with the movie prop weapons however as there will be police at the event and everyone wants to be safe... the Police will ultimately have final say. I suggested we meet the officers and show them our blasters, etc so they can let us know if it's alright. Perhaps hang twist ties from our weapons to show they are props or something.

Hiya James.. never left.. always building.. just 2 builds on the go at the same time.. hehehe

the wait continues. Need to figure out the next steps on my blaster build.