So it was a pretty fun night.  Several people were waiting in line before we even suited up.  Both the workers and the fans were really glad to have us around.
I learned a couple things while there.

1. How to use a bathroom while suited up.
2. Make sure your gel inserts are in your boots before you leave for an event
3. Fresh batteries in the helmet a must
4. Fans still go crazy over new Star Wars stuff.

Whoa.. I mean that’s all I can say about that… is whoa.  Go see it, like right now.

From time to time I’ve been asked how organizations like the 501st or Rebel Legion survive with out Uncle George and his merry band of lawyers from coming down and squishing us like bugs.  Well the big reasons are:

1. We don’t make any money at this, costume parts and props that are made and sold are usually done at cost.
2. We do spend a lot of time working with charity groups and who wants to say sorry we won’t let them help sick kids
3. When they want to promote some big product launch, they have big pool of free labor.

So with that said its time for some Lucasarts promotional stops.
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So after a evening shooting, Saturday morning we loaded up the jeep, gathered some of the gang and headed out to Molina Peak.   Getting there took us along the dirt road out of Box, then onto some kinda rough forest roads and the finally a hike up to the top.  We decided on a scenic drive out through Bianco Canyon, and replenished with some burgers from Manny’s Buckhorn in San Antonio.

The Jeep handled the rough roads like a champ , the tires, the engine and new oil pump barely broke a sweat.  I however broke a fair amount of sweat making the 1 mile, 1000ft climb to the top.  The trip out through the Canyon proved to a be treat for many as they didn’t realize there was such a deep cut caynon so close to home.  Oddly enough we uncovered a small shrine at the east entrence to the caynon.  When the owner of Manny’s saw us approach covered in dirt from head to tires, he commented that we look we just survived some African safari.  But we were seated and snarfed down some darn tasty green chile burgers.

So Friday night a friend of ours asks if we want to squeeze off a few rounds at the local shooting range.  He brought along a .22 target pistol, a compact 9mm, 1911 .45 pistol, and a 12 gauge shotgun.  Since several had either never fired a pistol or it had been to long to remember we had a quick safety/handling lesson which each weapon.   I’ve always been curious on what its like to fire a 45. I’ve got to say it was my favorite weapon of the evening.  Although I did chuckle a bit the first time  I pumped a round into the shotgun.  The shoulder is a little sore today but we he had a blast(pun intended) Melissa got some pictures with muzzle flash so look for the picts on her flckr page.  It’s definitely something I would like to do again and even become proficient.

Yep its theater season again in Socorro.  This weekend June 13,14 and 15 will we be presenting Neil Simon “The Fools”  at the Garcia Opera House.
Click here for times and ticket prices.

So last weekend we head out to Atlanta GA, for a wedding.  This time I was the one standing up with the happy couple.  Melissa seems to always be a bridesmaid at these things so it was different having me all duded up down in front.  The wedding was held at a state park lodge in North Georgia called Amicalola Falls.  Really pretty location and the weather was just great for the event.

So Congrats to the happy couple Brian and Elizabeth

As a bonus I got to spend a couple days in Atl, and saw the Olympic Park, CNN headquarters and the Aquarium. It also gave me a chance to eat at Rays in the City, one of my favorite places to eat when I’m in town for DragonCon

Well I’ve been a little reluctant to post things lately, because of a surprise event we have been planing for a while.  2 weeks ago the family successfully arranged a surprise 60th b-day part for my dad.  He was so caught of guard it wasn’t until I stepped out from the crowd did he realize what was happening.  Needless to say he was really touched.  All in all it was a really great weekend with the folks and the rest of the family.  The odd part of the trip was on Monday when Melissa caught a flight home, and I caught a different  one for a conference in VA for work.

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So tomorrow We will be walking the Abq Making Strides against Breast Cancer.  Naturally a good chunk of us will be doing it in costume.  I will be in the flight suit, since the organizers were excited to hear that they could get some rebel presence.  Several the gang will be in armor.  Should be interesting since I have never trooped 5 miles before.  But I’ve spent way more than 2 hours in the suit so as long as my cold doesn’t waylay me it should be fine.  And to my sponsor I promise there will be pictures at the event.