Please Play Nice!!!

I've seen a very disturbing trend lately, or maybe it's been going on for a while and I've been blind to it but lately I've been seeing a lot of "Look at me I am the best of the best and I want attention" posts.  I've seen most of these on Facebook in my feeds, friends, private or personal even though I have tried to screen them out I'm just getting sick of them.

Recently, I saw a feed for a show about Cosplayers and of course it's the best of the best cosplayers/costuming but I don't need to see it advertised 20 different times in my feed.  I don't need to see the perfect bodied female geek plastered all over my wall.  Furthermore, the feeds that I've seen lately are more of the scantily clad cosplayers or the cosplaying show that shows only the best of the best with the perfect body and the perfect costume.  Yes, there is a point that you should be proud of your costume, you or your seamstress/builder should be proud of the hard work that has been put into making your Geek dreams come true, but you should not brag you're the best.

In my view, bragging that you have the supreme god of god costumes, or the epic costume of the con means that you really don't care about having fun, but rather running around and making everyone feel insecure, or showing off what a pompous jerk you are.  Granted, there are a lot of costumes that I admire, but I really dislike people at cons that brag that they are the brightest and best.  If I like your costume, I'll say it but if you say that "I'm the only one that can wear this costume" then you and I will have a problem.

******

I say this because there are some people that have contacted me in private about me being Luke or Padme'. Some have said that I'm too fat for either, some say that because I'm a girl that I can't do Luke or they've just been really nasty to me.  I will say this to them "BITE ME!!!"  I love being Luke and I love being Padme' and besides Padme is pregnant in Episode III with both Luke and Leia so I can use my weight to my advantage for that costume.  Luke has been a dream since I was a little girl and just because I'm not 150 pounds  yet doesn't mean I'm not going to costume him.  I've got a very special request to do Luke and yes, we are still working on him to get him right for the RL judges but I tell you I enjoy the costume and I will be wearing him as long as my body can endure it, and as long as people want him.

The point of this blog that I'm trying make is that bragging about your costume is ok as long as it doesn't affect other people's fun or demeans them.  If you say "You can't costume that" you are being a jerk and unprofessional and not representing the character you are trying to portray. Furthermore, it's ok to costume as any character you want, but be thankful when people ask for photos with you...always say thank you, always be polite to each other.  In other words...Play Nice!!!


One other area that I want to touch on is please if you are going to use photos ask the person you are borrowing from if you can use those photos.  I've had a few of my friends who have had their photos plastered all over the internet when they didn't want them to.  I know a rule that I follow is that if my parents wouldn't approve of it it doesn't go up on Facebook.  Yes, I have silly costume photos of Padme, Luke and the Guard on Facebook, but I make sure that those silly photos are not used against me.  If I borrow photos or share them, or blog about them I try to give them credit or the photographer the credit.  However, I'm getting really tired of seeing photos of my friends being used without permission or asking first.  I try to ask people before borrowing and yes if I post a YouTube video then I try to give credit where credit is due.

Also, I know I know, if the person posted it they should know the risks of posting such photos on the internet.  Maybe, they wanted to share their costume with the rest of the costuming world or the groups they are in.  Yes, they are aware that said costumes can get them in trouble with work or other interests, but have the decency to ask them first before taking their photo.

That's all I ask people.

-Jane

Man of Steel. Not Impressed.

I went and saw Man of Steel finally this weekend and let me just say this.  Not impressed.

Perhaps, it was the fact that I loved the Christopher Reeve movies or missed the John Williams music.  It could've been the whole I'm a big Supes fan and that I want this to be a homage and make my favorite DC hero look good.  No.  It was all action, no plot.  

Seriously, there were parts that I liked such as the birth scene and making Krypton seem more alien than what it was in the 1978 movie.  I also loved Lara's launch dress and Russell Crowe did a decent job of portraying Jor-El.  However, the movie seemed to be in so many parts disjointed.  I liked the fact that we got to see Clark growing up but I'd rather have that part at the front of the movie and continuously flowing like it did in the Donner movies.  

There was also so many transitions between scenes that one moment you're seeing one thing and then 5 seconds later you are moving onto something else.   Also, when they had Clark trying to fly for the first time I just had to laugh, it looked to cartoony to be realistic and the CG wasn't screaming Superman to me. During Lois's first scenes I thought, hmm maybe she wasn't going to be the damsel in distress Lois or the annoying Lois...again I was dissappointed.   I do like Lawrence Fishbourne's portrayal of Perry White it was interesting to say the least and he seemed to be a good fit.  Also, Kevin Costner's portrayal of Jonathan Kent was ok, it was ok not great, but just ok.  

What really disturbed me though were the overwhelming amount of action scenes.  Sure, you had the throw down between Clark and the baddies but the overwhelming destruction of Metropolis and Smallville was just too much.  "Just in case, we didn't mess up Smallville enough or Metropolis, let's mess it up some more!!"  Not only that, there was some tasteless destruction and I could've sworn I saw a few scenes that were reminiscent of 9/11.  It wasn't tastefully done and really it was too much for one movie.   

What really got me was the one thing Clark did that angered me.   If you don't want to be spoiled turn your head.   He snapped Zod's neck which to me is the one thing that is so unlike Superman to me that it just unthinkable!! 

*****

Granted, I've never read the comics and maybe Supes does something like this but I just feel Man of Steel was not Superman.  It didn't speak to me like the other movies have in the past and it's sad that I think that way but I will not call this movie Superman.  It didn't feel like it, didn't act like it and as a Superman fan, I was sorely dissappointed.

A long long time ago in a Raleigh far away (Wierd Al concert)

That was totally wicked!!!

The 501st was once again invited to be up on stage during Al's encore of The Saga Begins and of course the call for troops was put out.   Granted,  I didn't get to troop in costume because they didn't want guards (we are low on the totem pole of trooping) but I did get to help wrangle and take pictures for our guys that were trooping this event.

The fun part besides helping the guys suit up and troop was getting to hear his music live.  Granted, I know he writes parodies but they were funny.  I was hoping to hear two of my favorite songs besides The Saga Begins,  Amish Paradise and Ebay.  Al, delivered and his show made me laugh which is something that I need these days since I've been dealing with a lot in my life.  Not to mention feelings for guys which they have started to notice me since surgery.  Anyways, back on topic.

So being a 501st member,  I was able to wrangle for our group backstage which they did rehearse for their small part in Saga Begins.  I was so happy to help out and watch them rehearse backstage along with Gene's wife Dee and his oldest daughter.  I have some great pictures of them rehearsing in our small but hot dressing room and yes, Gene did stand in for Al during the rehearsals which got me laughing.  Granted, people said I didn't look happy to be wrangling but I was!! I have that silent but deadly look about me and yes though I didn't get to troop in the guard I was guarding my troops!!!

So we got to watch some of the show from the side but because of Fire Codes we were asked to either go have a seat or go somewhere else.  We went back to the dressing room and about an hour into the show everyone suited up.  This is where wranglers play a vital role since TK's can't bend over, Boba, or other characters so if they needed shin guards, I got them, if they needed me to adjust neck seals, put on back plates, backpacks and other things.  We even had a missing trooper so out into the crowd I went to go to look for him and he made it in time to be on stage with the others.  Before they went on stage I really got a great shot of the guys backstage about to go on before I found my way up to the balcony at that point Al performed Amish Paradise and I enjoyed every single second of it.


Finally, after a few more songs the guys came on stage with Chewie, we had troopers, Vader, Chewie and Boba and they were a hit.  I was cheering for Al but I was also cheering for our guys and though I got some shots of them on stage, they weren't that great.  Anyways, they were a hit on stage with Al and I loved watching our troops on stage with Weird Al doing their trooping thing as I call it.

After Saga Begins they went to the lobby where they took pictures and they looked great.  I'll have to come back and edit this post when my photobucket will be cooperative and I can finish uploading the rest of the pictures.  When we got back to the dressing room and suited down Al and his manager came to thank us and we got autographs and pictures with him.

Overall, this event was one of my favorites even if I didn't get to troop it!!

-Jane

Jedi Training

For those of you that may not be aware or haven't heard because you've joined my friends list or something like that.  I am a lapband patient meaning at one time I was morbidly obese.  I'm not going to lie, it sucked I mean it really sucked not being able to move, no mobility or limited mobility and an unquenchable appetite.  It didn't happen overnight, the obesity that is, it happened over several years.  Meaning that, I had an emotional void so I filled that void with food and then when I felt guilty, I ate more and more causing my weight to balloon to a whopping 320 pounds at my heaviest.  I didn't have many friends and I was a loner because like most people who are overweight, I was very self conscious and wanted to hide myself from the world.

However, I realized that I was missing out relationships, going out, buying clothes, getting makeup done, not going to Cons and hanging out with my friends or branching out into other costuming areas other than Star Wars.  Yes, 10 years ago I bought my first Royal Guard and the purpose of that was because I wanted to hide my weight while still showing I was a Star Wars fan.  Up until three years ago I learned to live with my heaviest, no hope, no chance of having a relationship, I might as well live in a closet because I hated myself so much that if Palpatine himself was courting another apprentice or a Dark Jedi I would have said where do I sign though probably because I was so fat, he would've declined.   

Then my world parted and I pursued WLS or Weight Loss Surgery.  I had never considered surgery of that type because my Uncle Phil, who recently passed had the Gastric and I was scared.  In addition, to the Gastric I had heard stories that should I ever get into a relationship, I would have severe complications with the pregnancy so I decided on the lapband.  I met my surgeon in the spring of 2011 and on June 29, 2011 after meeting all requirements and the liquid 2 week diet, I had my surgery done.  I lost about 60 pounds easily and continued to shed another 90 after that.  

However, I've hit a plateau and rock bottom I know I gained at least 20 back this past year because of stress at work and haven't gone for the fills as I should have but now I'm back on track working out walking 5 miles a day and considering that my Jedi training.  Yeah yeah fanboys I know Luke was well on his way to becoming a Jedi in ROTJ but my point is that this weight loss fight can not be fought on it's own with just food restriction, you need exercise.  

This summer my plan is to walk the 2.5 miles around my Parents subdivision in the morning, 2.5 at night, and then swim, then bike the 2.5 miles.  I know my body is going to go through hell but I'm willing to sacrifice to the demons to become an Angel.  

I am heading to my surgeon on Monday for a fill and I know I'm gonna get lectured...boy am I going to get lectured but at least I know that my problems stem from emotional ones and physical stresses.  However, I am continuing the fight against that and my goal is to get down to a size 12 by the end of summer.  I can live with a size 12....I can't live with a size 16 which I'm currently at right now.   So yes, I am about to go on another mile walk my second for today but I am going to win this fight.

******

Edit at 2:16 so far today I've walked four miles, getting ready to walk again in a bit.  I never did tell you my workout music.  Surprisingly, I listen to the Rocky IV soundtrack minus a few songs that just don't cut it for me because they aren't workout but mostly everything from Burning Heart to Hearts on Fire to Eye of the Tiger, No Easy Way Out and Sweetest Victory are the songs that I have on repeat when I walk. Who says girls can't listen to that soundtrack and it's one of my favorite movies!   Also, I listen to Pink's "Try" which is an anthem for me because I fell down this year in terms of my WL but I'm getting right back and fighting back.  My goal is to have Dark Phoenix ready by HeroesCon 2014 if I'm not working part-time to pay off Student Loan debts.

Keep walking!!

-Jane

Animazement 2013

Three Words:  Oh My God!!!

Forgive me lord for using your name in vain but I had a freaking blast yesterday.  Granted, I am not big into Anime other than Sailor Moon and have some knowledge of Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z to keep me afloat but I heard this was a con that wasn't to be missed.  Also, I wanted to debut Luke yesterday in time for Return of the Jedi's 30th Anniversary and yes, he did make his debut and I loved every single second of it.

So I met with Kim and Mary for breakfast even though I had already eaten on the ride up and just sitting in the Deli where they had their breakfast I saw all sorts of costumes going by from the different Anime's, Mangas and then I got excited when I saw the different Doctor's going by.   I was squeeing and even before I got my badge, heck even before I got into costume I was excited.  I think Kim and Mary could tell that I was enjoying what I was seeing even before we even got into costume.  Granted, the line outside the convention center stretched around the block for all the new registrants but still the 45 was worth it to see everyone in costume.

So we went up to the room and got changed I seriously was geeking out looking at all the costumes going over to the convention center from the Marriott.  Once I got into costume, I was fangirling because I had been waiting to be Luke from ROTJ ever since I was a little girl.  I was just GAH I don't know how to put it other than very very happy.  The only part, was the boots on Luke are the hard equestrian boots that really have no room for movement and I got a war wound but once I wore them for a bit I was fine.

A lot of people didn't know who I was which was fine but I was seriously geeking out waiting in line for my badge.  Once I got in, the pictures didn't stop and I got in character.  I managed to meet up with my friends Tom, Chris Burnside, and Steve from the 105th and the picture taking began.  I also looked out of the corner of my eye after getting my badge at the Sailor Moon shoots.  I loved looked at the Senshi and I was geeking out at all the Senshi that were there.  I'm hoping that once I drop 50 more pounds that maybe next year I will do Dark Mercury from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.  I got a few pictures in the morning and even dueled with Steve a little.  By the way Steve great DARTH MAUL!!! I know you will get in and you were a hit with the Con Goers.  In addition, Chris Burnside took a lot of pictures and I was just geeking out with everyone and everything there.  After the 105th main shoot, I met up with my friend Brandon and he and I walked over to get Lunch.  By that time, my feet were killing me and I had had enough of the Luke boots so yes, Rebel Legion and costume purists I went to my guard boots which are black, tall and styled just slightly different but at least I was comfortable.

So afterwards, Brandon and I hung out in the lobby of the Marriott watching the various costumes going to and from the hotel over to the convention center.  I have to say Animazement spilled over beyond the convention center but also onto Fayetteville Street, and even over by the Performing Arts center which makes it the largest con I've ever been to.  After the 105th Star Wars shoot, and hanging around some more,  Steve, Maggie, Renee and a few other friends and I went to Tir Na Nog which is a great Irish pub in downtown Raleigh.  Steve and I, as well as Renee and a few others were still in costume when we went in and had dinner.  I ended up splitting Nachos with Maggie since as a lapband paitent I can't eat that much. One small plateful I was good to go for an hour or so of pictures.  The only downside, was that my lightsaber died and I forgot to bring the extra batteries.

Oh there is so much from the  con that I can go on about.  Brandon and I did spend a lot of time watching the costumers go by and yes, I saw a lot of my friends there.  I was just geeking out because I have never been to a con of that size before but wow.  In addition, if Ryan Glitch were to bring Sci-Fi Speed Dating to this con, I'd bet he'd get a great response.  Hint. Hint. Hint!!  At dinner, we had an interesting conversation about how us old timers don't go to the Con Dances because we're too tired by the end of the night.  I thought it was funny but yeah, we were tired at least I was and I didn't want to see the damage that the Luke boots did to my heel.  My left heel and foot is fine but obviously I didn't do the sock right on Luke's right boot so yeah I got a nice little war wound on my heel.  I also enjoyed meeting Kim's friends and hanging out with them for a few but really after walking probably 10 miles in one day, posing and having a great time I was beat and ready for bed so I drove home.  I left Luke with Kim so that way she could fix the collar for ConCarolinas and now I'm anticipating ConCarolinas next week with Tim Zhan and the others.  So bring it on and I can't wait for Animazement 2014!!

Just an add on the day after I wrote this blog, although I did Luke.  I probably could've done Amy or Padme.  However, doing Padme' isn't the same without a certain Jedi there.  I'll say no more about that but for those of you that want to know, I'll never tell.  ;)

-Jane

Geekdom at Work

"Yeah I'm gonna need for you to come in on Saturday too, mmm that would be great ok?"

There is a fine line between our Geek life and our Work/Family life.  Sometimes the line becomes blurred or doesn't exist.  However, I was thinking of this because I was teaching my class about Barbara Morgan, the first teacher in Space.  I also had them pay respects to Christa McAffluie the original Teacher in Space Candidate that died in the Challenger explosion.  I got really excited about teaching my kids about the Space Shuttle program as in my spare time in addition to my usual fandoms, I like to study Volcanoes and Space in my spare time.

I found myself many times referring to the shuttle program as it's STS-designation and explaining what went into a launch, orbital entry, re-entry and preparations for new flights.  I really got into it and even caught myself humming the Star Trek theme which for some reason, when talking about the NASA Space Programs (Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttles) comes to mind rather than the Star Wars theme.  Anyways, at work I do use a lot of fandom/geekisms to get through the day.  Granted, I can't do some of the more PG-13 stuff because I teach Elementary students but yes, I have used Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek,  and other geek references when I'm teaching.  Sometimes, when  I teach I find myself slipping into The Doctor's personality, including the Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh personalities.  For example, I have used Allonsy, Wibbly Wobbly and Fantastic in the fashion of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors.  I have also used Star Wars references and even wear my Celebration lanyard around my neck with my minuature Anakin hanging from it.  At one time, I had my Yoda on my desk along with ET and constantly during some lessons I play the John Williams music.

There have been times when I have subconsiously taken my Sonic Screwdriver into work and yes I've hidden it from the kids but I guess I needed something to keep me occupied.  I know that some of you who work in cubicles or in offices have your office decorated with items from your favorite fandoms.  I know a few of my friends have their cubicles decorated Star Wars style, some comic style and some who have Lord of the Rings memorabilia.  I think if I had a cubicle I would paint my stapler red as a homage to Office Space.

Heck, if I could to teach I'd walk into work dressed as The Doctor, or a Jedi, or someone to get the point across to my kids about the lesson they are to learn.  Still, I think the geekdom/fandom parts of our lives are starting to catch up to us at work and as long as it doesn't violate dress code or workplace rules I think it's ok to be a geek at work.

-Till Next Time,

Jane

Pouring it all into Padme'

Happy Revenge of the Fifth Day!!

Yesterday, as most of the people in the Geekdoms know it was Free Comic Book Day.  I went down to Fayetteville and ran around with Nick Garcia as the Ninth Doctor in my custom companion from Doctor Who.  If I explained the whole plot we'd be here till next Free Comic Book Day but I did have a blast and in true Doctor Who fashion, The Doctor and I played off each other similar to how they did it in the show.  It was fun and not only that I got called Jean Grey, Rachel Summers and I think someone once called me Mary Jane Watson.  Here's the funny thing, the person who called me Jean Grey said that I really would look like I would enjoy the full Phoenix Force powers...umm he's right but don't tell The Doctor that.

Also, a quick shoutout to Nick's Dad who is an aspiring comic book artist (I hope one day he gets in or if he does it for a hobby, continues to do it!!  I might want a commission of the Ninth Doctor and Krista outside the TARDIS)  It was a fun time and then I headed off to Greensboro for a wonderful night at the Symphony.

Now any Symphony event is always a fun one to do considering that I love the music first and foremost.  Yes, it was a long day yesterday but worth it.  I also want to say that it gave me a chance to do something Star Warsy for the day and I needed a release from work.  I decided well actually didn't decide more like I had to do Padme' because the guard is getting repainted.  

So yes, there was a small group of us who are in the 501st/RL  Pam, Andrew, Alex, Thomas, and Cher that made it out and the Symphony had hired a group of kids to serve as Stormtroopers/Clones and Vader.  I won't get into that but for those of us who were in the RL/501st we had a great time and took pictures before the show and during intermission.  We even went on stage for the Imperial March,  and Cher got to go on stage for Leia's theme.  

After that, they played Raiders, ET, Schindler's and came full circle to the prequel trilogy.  Thomas and I did Anakin and Padme' although Thomas had a generic Jedi.  I used my imagination and poured everything I had into Padme's emotions as I spent the first minute of the song alone and then Thomas came on and I sort of coached him silently as to what needed to be done.  The crowd didn't know it but yes I was playing my part of Padme' to a T even as we went out into the crowd  but they said I had my emotions matching hers from the movie.  Which is easy for me to do considering that I am always emotional and I can't hide them as well as some people can.  Everyone from the 501st/RL was a hit and since after that piece no one was in the dressing room I went to change out and let me tell you about Padme...she is a handful to put on and take off but overall she's my favorite costume to do.

A note to Chad and Cory and yes, I know you had to work Chad but they did play Battle of the Heroes.  So yes, even as we were walking back to the changing room the Hockey Duel came to mind.  So I went to take off Padme' got back into my clothes I had been wearing for FCBD and as I stepped out of the bathroom I got several compliments on how Across the Stars went.  I thought I was in trouble because I have trained my brain to think negatively rather than positively.  I guess Padme' is one of those costumes where I can pour everything into it and really I wouldn't be the character I would really just being myself, minus the whole having twins part and dying of heartbreak part.

Till Next Time,

Jane