Disappearing

[Master Bluespike74]

Recently took a business trip to Philadephia, PA.  Celebrated my birthday while I was there.  When business was done, I returned to my friend's home and was there all alone to think every evening for 5 days.  Some things came to me:

1.  It is truly relaxing not to have to cook for yourself.
2.  It is truly nice that no one in the area knows who you are.
3.  New people are incredibly nice to you and want your perspectives if you are greatly culturally different than they are.
4.  You decide who your family is, not genetics.

If you have the time and funds, take some time to disappear.  No cell phones, no computers.  Just you, your lightsaber, and a clean slate. 

I am very much refreshed.  I am looking at my life in a different light.  I have a great number of changes to make and get some things set right that have been agitating me for over two years.  I hope to be a bigger and better part of this forum as well. 

I write this post with one thing in mind.  Don't let 38 years of your life go by and realize that you don't like it.  Whatever you are passionate about, don't let others talk you into setting it aside and "grow up" so to speak.  You are who you are because you are you. 

I had a great number of posts to catch up on and now I am happier than ever.  I read a very sad post on a Facebook group about a young man who is trying to do the right thing in his life but his family is greatly opposing him at every turn.  Your family is not always to whom you are related.  Your family are the friends and loved ones that are willing to take up sabers and blasters and stand by your side because you are "one of them." 

Have a great day and happy sabering.

Blue

[Jev Moldara]

...who are you again?

[Master Nero Attoru]

You'll always be a part of this family, Blue.  You've been nothing but helpful, courteous, and constructive, and as a result you're one of our most valued members.  I like to think we're those folks who will "take up sabers" by your side.

I agree with this post 100%, and I'm glad you got the opportunity to come to this conclusion.

[BenPass]

Totally agree with you Blue! I think everyone should take some time to disappear each year...that's one of the reasons I go hunting.

[Byourel]

What an inspirational post. You have my saber.

[Jev Moldara]

I agree with Nero Attoru. I was just being an unrepentant ass, like always.

[Master Bluespike74]

@ Jev.  You sound a great deal like the older folks I sat down at a table with in Philly.  I am a 38 year old Lab Scientist who works in a hospital on nights in Kentucky.  I also assist the Security Guard that is in a walker (don't ask) when we have patients that like to get violent with staff (we get a lot of drugs there).  I let people talk me out of my love for Star Wars and was told to "Grow Up" or I would never amount to anything.  I received a Bachelor of Science & a Master's, I am great with needles, and after getting severely hurt doing amateur MMA (broken thumb and jacked up knee) I chose to take up a different martial art that caused me to leave my Green Belt behing and start all over again.  I am now a Brown Belt about to test for Black in Spring of 2013.  My new martial art got me thinking about Star Wars again and I am in love with Ultrasabers and the Saberforum community.  My astrological signs are Earth and Tiger.  I am both a husband and a father.  

After taking a business trip to Philly from 8/30 to 9/3 in which I sat a table with a Jewish couple for one hour every day for those 5 days, I was asked a very simple question.  Who are you?  It was on the 5th day that I finally realized who I really was and that parts of my life, I did not like.  The most important was that I let others influence me to not do the things that I love to do.  

@ Nero:  My family is those that exist becaue I chose them to be a part of my life.  Many of my family are not blood or genetically related to me.  But family, you all are to me.  Now, it is time to save some money and get some more sabers!!!!

@ Ben:  Oh how I miss hunting but alas, I live too deep in a city to do that now.  I guess I'll just have to go the shooting range more often!!!

@ Byourel:  Keep your saber.  After reading about the people bashing the 501st in Miami, we all might need to pay a little visit to them some time.

@ Jev post 2:  Never underestimate the wisdom found in an ass. 

[Jev Moldara]

@ Jev.  You sound a great deal like the older folks I sat down at a table with in Philly.  I am a 38 year old Lab Scientist who works in a hospital on nights in Kentucky.  I also assist the Security Guard that is in a walker (don't ask) when we have patients that like to get violent with staff (we get a lot of drugs there).  I let people talk me out of my love for Star Wars and was told to "Grow Up" or I would never amount to anything.  I received a Bachelor of Science & a Master's, I am great with needles, and after getting severely hurt doing amateur MMA (broken thumb and jacked up knee) I chose to take up a different martial art that caused me to leave my Green Belt behing and start all over again.  I am now a Brown Belt about to test for Black in Spring of 2013.  My new martial art got me thinking about Star Wars again and I am in love with Ultrasabers and the Saberforum community.  My astrological signs are Earth and Tiger.  I am both a husband and a father. 

After taking a business trip to Philly from 8/30 to 9/3 in which I sat a table with a Jewish couple for one hour every day for those 5 days, I was asked a very simple question.  Who are you?  It was on the 5th day that I finally realized who I really was and that parts of my life, I did not like.  The most important was that I let others influence me to not do the things that I love to do. 

I love it when people accept who they are and revel in it. I may not always like who they are, but I respect that they are being themselves.

And don't worry, you're cool in my book.

@ Nero:  My family is those that exist becaue I chose them to be a part of my life.  Many of my family are not blood or genetically related to me.  But family, you all are to me.  Now, it is time to save some money and get some more sabers!!!!

Genetic relationships are forced upon you. Family, however, is CHOSEN.

@ Jev post 2:  Never underestimate the wisdom found in an ass. 

No, but as someone who has worked in a hospital, you know to fear what might come out of one...

[Manroon]

Never underestimate the wisdom found in an ass. 

This would be in my signature if there were enough room. I may edit it into my Sig-image later. That is an epic quote, Blue, and more true than many people realize. A man with hair half down his torso, a 5 day beard, a longboard, and a dirty T-Shirt with something undead on it can teach the world much.


Back to the point though, you are correct beyond words. There are some things that are very important in life that tend to get lost sight of easily in this world, mostly BECAUSE of this world. A man should work hard, enjoy that work, love his friends and family, be loved by them, be himself, and give and receive the respect that earns. There's a lot more than just that, of course, but I think those are what people tend to lose sight of the most that won't infringe upon the religion rule.

[Lionus]

Blue, I feel ya brother! At 38 y/o and soon to be 39, I had to let life go and just do me! I just jump on my bike wind in my face and Bob Marley pumping through my speakers! "Don't worry, about a thing, 'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright!" I went through some hard times, trying to be who people wanted me to be.. Now at 38, Lightsaber in hand swinging at the world, It's lke get back or get beheaded. This is me take me or leave me! Thank the stars, that I am young enough and strong enough to enjoy life, and not have to look back with, should'a, could'a, would'a!!!

Cheers to you Bro!

[Duff Man]

I usually make OTHER people disappear.....wait did I say that out loud??  Hmmm I don't think I have enough Lime for you all, I guess I better go to the store.....

[Luna]

SOTJ disappeared for an aeon or two....

[Master Bluespike74]

Did she seem happier when she returned Luna?  I know that I sure did.

[Manroon]

Point to Luna for the US turn of phrase.

She seemed a lot happier to me when she got back, but Luna would probably be able to say a little better.

[SOTJ]

Did she seem happier when she returned Luna?  I know that I sure did.

Point to Luna for the US turn of phrase.

She seemed a lot happier to me when she got back, but Luna would probably be able to say a little better.

Yes, she's much happier now for the most part (I love referring to myself in third person....)

Seriously, it was the best decision I've made in a long while. If your finances allow you to do so, I highly recommend traveling alone internationally for a while. These pretty much sum up why:

1.  It is truly relaxing not to have to cook for yourself.
2.  It is truly nice that no one in the area knows who you are.
3.  New people are incredibly nice to you and want your perspectives if you are greatly culturally different than they are.