Stuph I ponder at great length

See you all

Beorn — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:34:52 GMT

on the 23rd. Take care everyone

Happy Birthday to my lovely bride!

Beorn — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:53:41 GMT

How come she doesn't age? Why is she still so beautiful after such a long time with me (I age people [you should see my poor parents!])? Happy birthday my love, and I hope that this one is the best one yet!

You know what I really dislike?!?

Beorn — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:41:52 GMT

Food poisoning!

Fat guy observation #749b

Beorn — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:47:33 GMT

Towels... You heard me. I am thinking about towels. You see, When I was 515 pounds, I had a favorite towel. It is (for it still exists) a bath sheet 66"x60" given to me by a lovely couple who don't speak to me anymore. Oh well... As I was saying... This was my favorite towel as a fat guy because I could actually wrap it all the way around me and THAT was how I would dry off... Passively. I would just sit there at the computer or whilst watching SportsCenter and let the moisture wick away to the towel and air and time. Bending over to vigorously dry off was right out; I felt like I was cutting off my own air supply when doing so. I was very fond of that towel. Then, about two years ago, we had some friends over for a pool party and a few of them stayed the night rather than drive home. Somehow my towel got bundled up with the spare bedding we only use with the air mattress and I "lost" my favorite towel. I was upset, and V thought "it would turn up eventually." She was right. Again... She is almost always right (my masculine sensibilities prevent me from saying always as a matter of course, but you get the gist...). Cut to me finding the towel when we last employed said air mattress, about 2 months ago. I was overjoyed! My TOWEL! It has returned to me, and then said towel and I did the Linus and Snoopy happy dance for full on to 3-4 minutes while my wife looked on in disbelief and a smirk suggesting her aforementioned 'would-turn-up-eventually' statement was sage counsel indeed. Wiseass... So, I began to use the fave towel again. And, it was terrible... I can't use it very well anymore. It is too, cumbersome, unwieldy even. There are so many folds of fabric and I feel swallowed up in the damn thing now. I can't use it vigorously to towel off my legs because it is like trying to dry off with a King-Sized comforter. And then it hit me. The towel was just as cool, and just as colorful, and just as useful as before. *I* am the different one. I am no longer passive. I am active in the removal of excess moisture. A towel that will not wrap around me (very well) of the normal, regular sized bath towel dimensions works just fine. Better, in fact. I get showered, dried off, and dressed in 10-15 minutes now, where before the first and last portions of that process were 15 minutes or so, but the drying off was 30-45 minutes just by itself. Why? You ever tried to 'air-dry' a VW Microbus? Takes a bit of time, don't it? As I continue this losing weight thing, I am very occasionally reminded of how minor changes like this can drastically alter so much about us. About our bodies, our mantras, our routines, and our own realizations... I STILL like the towel. I put it under my daughter's crafts table when she wants to eat in front of the tube watching "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" or "Chitty-chitty Bang-bang" or some other children's DVD that is a bit longer than the norm (my carpets may not be the best, but they are all I got, ya know?). I have, in fact, used that towel too. As recently as this morning. But, only because all the other towels were still in the laundry. So, here's to all of you who really know where your towel is!

Well, I had my "coming out of retirement" sumo deal

Beorn — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:27:56 GMT

And I didn't win a single match... But, to be fair, they REALLY stacked my dance card! I faced the current 3-time US Heavyweight champion I faced the 5-time US Lightweight and 2004 World Lightweight Champion I faced the 2006 and 2007 Georgian National Heavyweight Champion I faced one of the current Japanese university Champs I faced the current Samoan champ I lost them all. I wasn't the heaviest (at least 4 dudes outweighed me, and a few by 100 pounds or more), but I was the tallest. At least I didn't get hurt; I really think that I should lose a bit MORE weight and try it again. The California championships are in a few months. I figure I can get to 300 by then. Nobody believed I quit cold turkey. My technique was still good, just about a half-step off all day. Everyone said they really enjoyed how much fun I seemed to be having. Well, hell yeah, I never got tired. Even the longest match of the day for the entire tournament (mine with the lightweight champ) had the other guy winded more than me. I felt... great. But, technique-wise I never got "on." Nobody tripped me up, and I never lost my balance. I just kinda forgot where in the ring I was a few times. Two of the matches I lost because I stepped out as I was throwing. Six inches or so difference and I would have been 2-3 instead of 0-5. Oh well, I did have fun. I will try to find some footage.

Okay... wish me luck!

Beorn — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:17:45 GMT

And let's hope I don't get crushed by younger, faster, stronger sumotori! <sigh> Once more into the fray!

Things are going very well at present...

Beorn — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:47:15 GMT

I am not alone... Now, that may seem hard for some of you to understand (I ALWAYS have people around me [I suspect it to be the remnants of my gravitational pull from my huge mo-fo days]), but I am thoroughly pleased with things right now. I could be happier, I mean, couldn't we all? But, all things considered, I am truly looking forward to the next several days. Thursday is going to be an adventure! I am not certain WHAT to post about that, especially since it hasn't happened yet. But, nevertheless, I am actually kinda stoked! This might be considered crazy, but people said Balzac was crazy for drinking 40 cups of coffee a day! Then again... he DID die of a perforated ulcer and caffeine poisoning... ;-( Friday will be the last day of work and my final "crafts day" for V. She is going to be SO PLEASED when she sees what I have created for her. Some of you may see her wear it later this month. She will positively GLOW! I guarantee that. I am also working on some music stuff for her and her dance troupe. THAT should be done by Saturday at the latest. Speaking of which... Saturday I have two groups of friends at two different renaissance faires competing for my (and Sofia's) attention. Not sure which one I'll go to, or if I'm going to dress Sofia and I up, or are we just going to "tourist" it up a bit. But, that might be nice as well... Sunday will be a hike and some nature stuff for Sofia and me... Not sure WHEN we'll get home, but I might have some nice pictures of that after while. I think V and S and me are doing something later on Sunday too; not too sure about that... Of course, next Saturday is the Sumo Grand Prix tournament in L.A. I can say, with total and supreme confidence, that I am entirely and completely UNPREPARED for this tournament... I am, in all likelihood, going to get my ass kicked. But, honestly I don't care. I am too old to be doing this anyway, and at the very least I will have fun and see people I've not seen in nigh onto two years. Work, work, work and train and parent and fix things and fashion and create and try to be a good person; I guess I don't have the time to be lonely. Good thing too. I get mopey when I'm like that...

It's a deep burn... So DEEP!

Beorn — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:39:47 GMT

I did my FIRST Sumo preparation work-out last night... Ouch, ouch, ouch... My thighs are STILL killing me, and I even saw my physical therapist this morning. I am so very sore. But, I got a good workout in for my lower body, and the upper body got a nice few sets as well. So, this is the first time since June of 2006 that I have done any sort of Sumo prep work. I am SO rusty... Maybe I made a mistake... I am also not as concerned about weight loss until after the tournament. So, if I actually gain a few pounds or stay where I am for the duration of April, I am not too concerned. Besides, I can easily kick the weightloss up a notch or two come May. 300 pounds by the end of June is still a very real possibility. But, my hip... There's the rub. My hip seemed to fair better than my knees did. And that has been my principle concern from the get-go. If my hip can take the beating and come out okay, or at least not too much the worse for wear, I may get back into the sport more seriously. I'll tell you my decision after the tournament.

UPDATE Sumo comeback!!!

Beorn — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:24:55 GMT

I have been asked by the USSF (or United States Sumo Federation) to compete in the upcoming April 19th Tournament. Over a dozen countries will be represented including the powerhouses of Japan, Mongolia, Russia, and Bulgaria. America, once a big time player, has been knocked into the "bit part" role these past few years, and I’m thinking they want an injection of the ol’ Beorn to liven things up... But... I have not competed since my retirement in early June, 2006. Since that time I have lost a LOT of the weight I had when last I competed. However, I am still quite large (between 325 and 340 depending on the day, what I ate or didn’t eat, whether or not I got cardio in or just lifted, etc.) and I think I am much stronger than I have ever been. But, I have a bad hip. I am old. I look slightly deflated. I am not sure I should come back, but I have to do SOMETHING. I don’t have the time or opportunity to do the things I love the most, and this is a one time deal. But, I must be certain that I don’t hurt myself MORE by doing a major competition with little to no sparring time. Strength training I can do (hell, I’m doing it now). Cardio I can do (more often, heh heh). But sparring is the thing. How do I go back after a nearly two year hiatus? The Americans have been getting their collective asses kicked for the past 2 years. The American champions of the sport are ones I have beaten before, but I haven’t done anything in so long. How much can I rely on swagger and past glories? And yet, I was asked very nicely. It wouldn’t be that big a deal if I just came in and lost two matches to see people I’ve not spoken to much since 2 summers ago. And who knows... Maybe I win a match or two and see how this smaller, faster, stronger body works against the 500 pounders (and, honestly, how well would I compete against the now same-sized 300 pounders that used to give me fits by maneuvering around the dohyo faster than I could). I have not decided yet. I must talk things over with my family and see what I should do, if anything. Plus, there are other factors to consider that are delicate. Nevertheless, it would be nice to see some of my friends again. And, I could use a bit of a beating since I’ve not had one of THOSE in a while either. If you should care to think of this conundrum at all, please send thoughts and prayers of "clarity of thought" to me so that I may make the right decision. ***EDIT*** I sent in my application today (4/3/08)... I am going to compete as the heavyweight entry for the Southern California Sumo Kyokai (my club prior to my retirement). I was welcomed back with open arms and I just hope I A) don't hurt my hip any further and B) embarrass my club or family. We shall soon see!

Happy Vernal Equinox!

Beorn — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:36:09 GMT

Yes, it's that time again! Soon, the days will grow steadily longer and the nights shorter. Hooray for the rebirth and wonderment of Spring! I wish any and all blessings and joy during this fantastic time. So, whether you're going to be sky-clad or wearing a delightful powder-blue egg-hunting smock, enjoy this weekend. I miss all my friends, and cannot wait to see you all soon! ~B

Have you ever tried to compromise?

Beorn — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:10:26 GMT

Some folks can, and some folks can't. I try to, honestly I do... But, when is compromise just rolling over and getting walked on? I don't mind too much really... I get a lot of what I like, so why shouldn't I lose the advantage once in a while? You tell me...

The grand Dungeon Master died!

Beorn — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:47:04 GMT

Gary Gygax, the guy who created Dungeons & Dragons, died yesterday at 69 years of age... Lift your glasses to the guy who made geeks congregate like no one before or since! And, I am a geek too... ::pours some dwarven ale on the curb:: For my homey.

While I am not recovered, I AM a bit better...

Beorn — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:43:03 GMT

Still desire to choke the demons out of my life, but not really all that interested in choking regular ol' humans. I AM still an angry Beorn, but now my anger is directed at the intangibles of life... I think baking chocolate chip cookies for Val's dance class will cheer me up!

I HATE!

Beorn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:17:10 GMT

Being in a bad mood... Someone, anyone... Entertain me!

I sincerely hope...

Beorn — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:26:49 GMT

That all of my friends/family are getting better. Seriously, most everyone I know is ill, or depressed, or both, or stressed, or all of the above! I realize that there is a drop off in energy after Christmas that usually stays with folks until March (spring), but this one just seems to be very dire. Wish there was more that I could do... <sigh> Where did I put that order-form for omnipotence?!? I'm doing pretty okay myself right now. Weight loss is still going, but it has slowed a bit. Nevertheless, 300 by my birthday seems a viable goal. I need to get some more clothes again... Need to put a few more holes in the "holy shit you were huge!" belt too. Did you know that there are veins in your arms? Pretty trippy! Never saw them on myself until very recently. I figured I ran via hydraulics same as all other heavy-lifters. Just goes to show you learn new things about yourself each day! My daughter's birthday is Sunday, and we are going to Disneyland! I will be seeing some of mah peeps there as we celebrate the Golden Child's 5th natal day! If you're in the neighborhood and want to drop in, look for the big dude with the golden ears (I am bringing my ears; I figure where the hell ELSE am I gonna wear them?). Hip and shoulder are hurting more with each passing day... Glad I'm too busy to be hitting people with swords; getting hit back might be more than this ol' body could take! I'll get myself fixed up eventually. Maybe I should make that doctor's appointment I was supposed to make in December?

The menu for tomorrow's breakfast shall be:

Beorn — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 04:11:17 GMT

Belgian Waffles with a Blueberry-Apple Compote (and maybe Crème fraîche) Havarti with Dill Omelettes Center-cut Black Forest Bacon An assortment of coffee and teas, juices, and if the mood strikes, Almond Champagne Mind you, except for a plain omelette and some bacon, my South Beach/Atkins carb-hater diet won't allow anything else myself. Nevertheless, I DO love to prepare food for others... So, who's coming over for Punk Raqs?

The fallacy that is St. Valentine's Day...

Beorn — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:30:17 GMT

Now, before you all rise up against me and hit the "smite" button on your Beorn-controllers, hear me out... First, there should never be a special day to venerate those you love. Each day you spend with your soul-mate, spouse, best friend, lover, partner (in my case, one person fulfills all of the above, but, I'm just sayin'...) should be a day of celebration. Each moment you are alive with your significant other or your "better half" (in my case, "better quarter"...) is a time to be pleased that breath still enters and exits your corporeal form. Second, to be reunited with ones separated from you due to any myriad of reasons, both good or ill (or in between) is a great reason for celebration, but so is waking up with them, for as you slept, you were separated from your tangible self by Morpheus (no, not Laurence Fishburne, though that would ALSO wake you from a deep slumber I should imagine...). When you are parted from your loved ones, the reunion is cause for joy, but the act itself is no more worthy than getting a kiss from wife/husband and child/ren after coming home from the laundromat... Reunions, in any form, are wonderful. Life is mysterious, and we never know when we walk out that door if we'll walk back in. Spend the moments with as great a care as you would your most prized and precious assets; they are one and the same. Finally, someone who may, or may NOT have been martyred 1750 some-odd years ago, who wasn't even included in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints most recent revision 40 years ago, and whose acts are known "only to God" is probably NOT the dude you want to pray to for guidance on what nifty box o' chocolates or useless piece of plastic or shiny sparkly thingie would most please your dear ones. Am I hatin'? Am I being a killjoy? Do you still have your finger ever-so-precariously perched atop the aforementioned "smite" button? Well, hang on a minute... Love, a simple word in English, is so misunderstood. People crave it and don't even know entirely what it is. You can read about it, watch it with others, listen to music about it, touch things inspired by it, taste confections imbued with it and still NEVER get what it entails. I know people who grope frantically after it their entire lives like Oklahoma storm-chasers, and just like those danger-seekers, they get ripped to shreds when they actually CATCH what they were chasing. Love may seem like a whirlwind of destruction, but other than a penchant for zeroing in on trailer parks, tornadoes and true love have little else in common. True love lifts you up, but then does NOT batter you against a grove of trees for 45 minutes. So, this mythical day is much like any OTHER mythical day... You only get out of it what you put into it. I'll tell you one of the days I most adore: February 15th! Because then, I can spend the REST of the year loving EACH DAY, as those around us save up for just the one. Still gonna smite me? Happy spiffy secular appreciate those around you and assist the confectionists and floriculturists in meeting their bottom line for the first quarter day!

So, bellydancers are lovely people...

Beorn — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:41:46 GMT

You all already knew this. I get that... I knew it too, but I am consistently amazed at how gracious and kind these exceptionally hard workers are. I mean, here I was, some big dude, just walking in and BAM, I got put to work! I even did important stuff and everything! Gothla was the best weekend I have had yet within the bellydance community. I was useful! It was so nice... The ONLY thing that prevented this weekend from being perfect was that Valerie had prior plans with Sofia that prevented her from coming too. But, next year, I will be volunteering again, and I am fairly confident that Val will be taking workshops and perhaps even performing? <hint, hint> Right hon?

<sigh> Weight, will it ALWAYS be an issue?

Beorn — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:54:15 GMT

You know, there was a time, not too long ago, when I was a bonafide, Grade-A, USDA Choice, Primetime fatass. I wrestled sumo, sure... But, how much weight is too much? I can tell you: 515 pounds. That's right. I found a printout from a competition I did back in 2005, and damned if I wasn't listed as being 515 pounds (well, actually, I was listed in Kilograms [234], but you get the picture). I did nothing about it in 2005. Then, in 2006, I got tired just walking a few hundred yards at a big get together in Arizona (called Estrella), and I figured I'd have to do something. Then March and April rolled by, and I had managed to get down to a "mere" 495 lbs. It wasn't until May of 2006 that I actually got off my gigantic ass and started doing what I needed to. By the end of July 2006, I had lost 100 more pounds, and broken under 400 for the first time since 1997. But, weight came off harder after that... 385 375 365 355... And then it stopped. From February 2007 until October of this year, I was bouncing between 355 and 375. I just couldn't do it. My heart started doing "weird" things. There was the high blood pressure meds (3-4 different kinds), and even an enlarged heart scare (I thought my heart was SUPPOSED to be bigger than normal, <ahem> I reckon not). The yo-yo thing was brutal, and I didn't know where to go. Luckily, my personal trainer, my massage therapist, and my nutritionist all at separate times got their heads into the situation and along with both my doctor and a few others physicians (and the ever present encouragement from my wifey) came up with a new routine. I wasn't doing enough to modify my metabolism, and I was placed on a weight training regime in addition to the cardio and diet I have been following since May 2006. The result? I am now running between 335 and 340 right now. I mean, I put a bit (3-5 pounds) back on during the holidays, but who doesn't? I refuse to feel guilty for having Christmas Dinner with my family. If one doesn't have a "splurge day" on occasion, you will drive yourself mad, or worse, binge/purge eat... Not pretty. The heart is NOT enlarged, it IS a bigger heart, but within normal parameters and it was a false problem. My cholesterol is about 150, my BP is about 125 over 75, and my triglicerides and blood sugar are all at normal or even "healthy" levels. Hooray for me! I am going to get to a better weight (between 250-275) in the next few years, I hope. <sigh> But I now have an entirely new situation. I look like the Michelin Tire Man at 8 p.s.i.! A bipedal hairless sharpei! This is SO not cool! I was hoping my skin would retract, and I thought I would get to be semi-normal, but this is now very unlikely. I have a goal, and though I don't exactly relish the idea of being Franken-Beorn, I find the alternative (a Salvador Dali-esque painting of a melting Buddha) even less appealing. But, surgery is always dangerous. Am I just being vain? Seriously, I never would have thought of myself as "thin", but I could have a shot at finally having a BMI that doesn't require an abacus and an engineering degree from MIT to compute. They'd have to almost gut me, and I'd have scars from my elbows to my knees, and from one hip to the other... What the hell do I do? I mean, I heard that chicks dig scars, right? But I might be a bit too old for anyone to "dig" anything at this point. And compression clothing is not the niftiest attire (think thin wet-suits under your clothes for months at a time)... If you have any ideas, guidance, ironic musings, funny anecdotes, or just thoughts on my dilema, don't hesitate to lay it on me. I am not sure of much right now...

And I'm back, sort of...

Beorn — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:04:31 GMT

Got too much to do to have much of a personal life for the next several months... But, one must do what one must do. Besides, all that laughter and fun was really interfering with my grim nature and grizzled exterior. I have had some major shake-ups in my family and many of them are good (expecting sisters, brother with a new job), but there have been a few that are truly horrific. Nevertheless, what else am I to do but keep on keepin' on. Aw, to heck with the Pollyanna attitude... A lot of stuff sucks but with friends and family I should make out well enough. At least, that's the plan. But, the best laid plans...

Well...

Beorn — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:35:26 GMT

I think I might be going away for a bit... I have soooooo much to do this next year that everything NOT pertaining to my family and work will have to disappear. EV-RY-THING... I have a time table, and I can get things done in 3 years or sooner depending upon how "with it" I get. I have a very supportive family. And, my boss and company are both extremely wonderful. Still... I shall dearly miss the SCA for a great while. Nothing like having to start over at square one eh?

The times are a REALLY changin'...

Beorn — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:45:10 GMT

So, I got a few things to say... First, my employer is giving me a great opportunity. The only problem is it is during the weekends. For as long as maybe the next year! I would have no social life, but the chance for advancement and a very real possibility to take a more active role in the company. So, no SCA, no bellydance supporting, no movies (except during the week maybe, and studying will be taken very, VERY seriously)... not much of anything extraneous. I will miss you all, and I will miss my friends, but at least you've all got Val to talk to! Secondly, my blood pressure meds aren't doing the job as well anymore. It makes fighting, walking, even eating sometimes a chore (kinda like heartburn, but I suspect more like a blood-sugar thing). I go see the medical dudes here in a few and I suspect its nothing, just change the meds... But, I've only got one ticker and I intend to use it as long as I'm able. Finally, family stress has really taken its toll. My brother's health remains a concern, my sister's pregnancy has lasted longer than any of the previous ones so that seems hopeful. I just won't be relieved until she delivers the wee one. Val's dear grandmother passed away last wednesday, so there are family peoples coming from all over the western hemisphere at some point or another and we had to have the "they're-not-physically-here-anymore-but-they-are-still with-us" talk with Sofia (which she took very well and thus far has had no regressions or anything [but, we DID take her to Disneyland on Sunday]). I had a great weekend. It will be the last one for I don't know HOW long... But for all of you who shared it with me, thank you! See ya after

Damn, I love when the radio makes everything better, 'n other junk...

Beorn — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:10:40 GMT

I listen to a morning (well, late morning) radio show on the internet every day from 10-11am. I know one of the DJs and he always plays stuff that I like (and often plays my requests since I see him the night before most shows). When I have a bad morning (I believe the unisex term is bad, the feminine form is "icky"), I listen to this station and I just feel better. That, plus really liking my job, makes even unpleasant tasks (which happen often enough in real estate) more than palatable. And, I love that it's Thursday! Which means tomorrow is Friday! Which means Exotic Blend! Which means I gets to watch my lovely lady belly dancers do their thang! The theme for tomorrow is "Pirates" which will be nifty. There is going to be a costume contest, and though I don't normally do those (since my wife and daughter usually win them anyway [can't compete with the "cuteness factor"]) I will dress as a pirate tomorrow, complete with wheel-lock pistols, cutlass, and big ol' shirt and leather vestment. If I have the time (which seems doubtful) I might even sew some new red/striped puffed pants for the occasion! The weather has also been a godsend these past few days. Although I expect another heat snap to smack into Southern California soon enough, THIS is what Autumn SHOULD feel like. Can't wait to go pick late apples next month! And, even though I am content, I miss my wife and daughter... We should be under blankets with hot cocoa right now, not at work/at school/at school working...

If you don't wanna have fun...

Beorn — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:52:31 GMT

Then PISS OFF! That is all. My name is Beorn, and I approve of this message.

Well, I'm fighting in Crown again...

Beorn — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:15:46 GMT

My weight loss continues, my hip feels fine, my back is better than ever, I have everything squared away with my wife, my consort and my friends. Strangely enough, I do have a chance to win. I would love to make Lorissa Queen. She would make an excellent Queen. I think she would rein in my enthusiasm (which is difficult at the best times; how much more of a chore would it be as King [yikes!]). And, I really love this Kingdom and I would love to serve it in the most direct way possible. I write award letters for people all the time, and there are mega-legion numbers of people who do great things for Caid. To be King and actually be able to give those awards personally, as opposed to asking a Monarch and Consort to do it would be so wonderful. But the Crowns are also extremely heavy. I would have to watch my mouth ALL THE TIME (something I have a hard time doing [see enthusiasm above <and add a healthy dose of goober to the mix>]). I would be certain to make SOMEONE unhappy. Rare is the Crown who leaves with no one upset. Still, the greatest fighters of the Kingdom will be there pitting themselves against each other. I'll be there too, heh heh. I have had to slack off on training due to my back, but I'm healthy again and I am getting back into fighting trim (or as trim as I get at any rate). But there are some mighty powerful and worthy ladies and gentlemen arrayed on the edges of the Crown List Eric. And, I need new heraldic garb, another list tree shield (mine gets made fun of because it is a Meridian shield [which means 12x14 inches]) and repaint my shield, make 2 new swords (each 38" before the thrusting tips are added), 1 new madu, and refurbish my Bohemian earspoon and bastard swords too. <whew> Lot of work to get ready for what could possibly be the hardest I've worked at a hobby in my life.