2009 has begun. Let's hope for the best!

January 1st has come and gone. Doesn't feel any different, but I guess it's a bit early.

There's a lot to hope for this year. Better economic times, better jobs, you name it. If anyone reads this that has NOT lost their job, NOT lost their life savings and NOT experienced a foreclosure, be very thankful, for many have had all these happen, and more. I just spoke with a man the other day who lost his job due to his plant closing, and as a result, had lost his entire savings and retirement, which is now worthless. He is trying to get back on his feet, but it's a slow process. I wish so much that I had the funds to help out all these people I see, or talk with.

On a less depressing note, or maybe not..., I go back to work on Monday. It's been really nice to have all these days to unwind and not to have to worry about grades and attendance records and paperwork, etc. As long as I keep telling myself that I am doing what I do for the good of others, and hopefully, teach them skills that will help them later in life, I don't mind the occasional hassles.

Well, I am getting back to costuming. I have a custom Mandalorian that I have had in the works for a while now. I am trying to complete it this week so that I can get it approved for admission into the Mandalorian Mercs. After that it's straight to my Commander Gree. The helmet has long since been finished, and I have the top-of-the-line armor I purchased from a garrison-mate, but because of so may obligations I had in the past, I just haven;t had the time to devote to it. Hopefully, that will change now.

As I mentioned, Star Wars has played a large part in my life, especially over the past couple of years. I began working on my forst costume, a Stormtrooper, in August of 2007. I finally finished it and submitted my application for acceptance into the 501st Legion in December 2007. On December 7th, I was notified that I was accepted and was issued my TK number, which all 501st members have. It's typically a four digit number that each member chooses for him/herself and has some significant meaning for them. My number is 9805. The first part, "98", is the year of my daughter's birth. The second, "05", si the year of my son's birth.

The "TK" designation is issued to all those who have a Stormtrooper costume. This dates back to the scene where Han and Luke knock out the two troopers guarding the Falcon in the Death Star bay. The deck officer calls "TK-421" to find out why he isn't at his post. From then on, "TK" has been the designation for Stormtroopers. "TB" is for Biker Scouts, "TA" is for AT-AT Drivers, "SL" is for Sith Lords, "IC" is for officers, and so on. Check out the 501st website for all the designations, http://www.501st.com.

Well, the Liberty Bowl has started, so I'm signing off. Gotta go watch my Pirates play!