Went and saw the Scorpion King this afternoon. Pretty good movie! Not much on story plot but it had a few nice twists. Great action. Dwayne Johnson(The Rock) did a pretty good job acting.

Of course all the sword fighting scenes in the movie made me come home and start working on my armor. Yesterday I managed to get my hands on a thick plastic barrel which I cut up to make legs. I heated the plastic in the oven and shaped it to what I wanted. Then I rivetted them to my steel knee copps and painted the whole thing black. They kinda look like Cuirbullied leather, and they are light as can be. I've entertained the idea of rivetting the whole thing to a pair of cut-off jeans. That way i just slip them on like pants and don't have to worry about adjusting them. I only wish I could fight in the upcoming war in July. But, the doc says no. Maybe I could go as a drummer or a standard bearer.

Oh my God, I am so beat up right now it ain't even funny. My physical therapy appointment was a bit rough. I'm anxious to make progress but, I feel like I'm losing ground like this. For the first time today my therapist expressed doubts about my recovery. She said my symptoms do not seem to reflect a shoulder impingement. That worries me because now I'm back to not being sure what the problem is.

I got some good news today... My lawyer has basically been ignoring my queries into what would happen if I don't return to work in Mordor. But, today she addresed the issue. Basically, I might have to go back on State Disability. Oh hurt me! State Disability pays more than Workman's comp anyway! Damn! I just can't believe the system is that messed up. Next Monday I'm supposed to return to work. Let Hell bar the way... I'm not going!!!

Well, greed and selfishness got the best of me today. I ended up dropping another bid on that helm I wanted on Ebay. At the last minute it went from $63 dollars to $130 dollars. I just couldn't stop myself. It's an awesome helm! My wife was furious with me. But, we sent the money order off anyway. I'll be in the dog house for a while until I can find a way to make it up to her. I have to stop being irresponsible.

No word yet from the loan committee. The suspense is killing me!! Oh well, maybe tommorrow.

Today, I ran into an Orthodox Priest that I've known for many years but, have not seen in a long time. He presides over the St George Greek Orthodox Church. He is a great man whom I admire very much. I wish I could get to know him better. He reminds me of Weird Al :-) Anyway, he asked me to start a chapel in my home town so that other families can meet to celebrate service once a week. I was flabbergasted. It's been so long since I thought of serving the Church in any way. I admit the idea appeals to me but, I'm afraid as well. My former spiritual father did alot to shake my faith and I swore off that close relationship again. I feel that God wants me to serve in some way but, I'm just so afraid. It was even suggested that I serve as a subdeacon. At one time I sought that but, not now. I want to start my business and I don't want anything to get in my way. It's unfortunate that I feel that serving God is in the way. I am wrong in this and I know it. I have alot of soul searching to do.

Lately, I've been feeling like I haven't been doing my part at home. I've been spending too much time playing games on the computer and not doing things like taking care of the kids or tending to chores. I know it bothers my wife. I need to start doing my part and taking care of business. I have models to paint, chores to do, and a D & D game to set up. It is hard because it is so easy to load up a game and escape reality. However, reality needs me I can't fall into old patterns again. I have a new life in this place. Fortunately, tonight I finished a game that I've been playing for a while. Now I think I can resist the temptation.

In another one of those overspending sprees I seem to be going on lately. I found a helm on Ebay that I want really bad. It's a spangenhelm with a full face. It's got a high polish on it and it is exactly what I need to finish my armor. Tonight I bid a little over $100 on it. Tommorow, it runs out and I hope I win. However, I know that my wife hopes I lose it because we need the money. I probably should do the right thing and let it go. We'll see if my conscience wins tommorow.

Lastly, I talked with an old friend last night on the phone for many hours. She called me so no phone bill. It was very good to hear from her. She says she plans to move into the area in about 3 months. Personally, I'd like to see her more but I worry that she is leaving a life and a relationship that is good for her. I will help her in any way she needs. But, this has to be her decision, and I won't say anything more to her about it in any way. She asked me if I could be a father to her teenage son. I told her no way. I hope she understands. I'll be a mentor, I'll take him places and guide him in any way I can but, I cannot be his father.

Well, I made it to the Dentist today. I was surprised that the office I went to was so clean and nice. Also, the staff was very cordial. The Doc said I need a root canal, a few cavities filled, and a cleaning. My next appointment is in May and I'm sorta looking forward to it.

We barely made it home today before it started snowing like a dog. I hope this is the last blowout before it starts getting warm.

Lastly, the moment of truth is upon me. The bastards of Mordor(my former employer) sent me a letter demanding that I return to work next week or I'll be cut off. I've been thinking alot about it, and discussing it with my wife, and we feel that if I return it will only cause more hardships on us. So, damn the torpedoes! My focus now is to get our business started. My God bless our endeavour.

I'm really enjoying Physical Therapy. My Therapist continues to amaze me with her knowledge of ergonomics and the body. This week I get to sit in the hot tub and work out on an exercise bike. I guess I'm so happy to get to exercise again I'm kinda euphoric.

Well, today was the moment of truth. We turned in our business plan to the loan agency. I hope to hear from them tommorrow with any questions. I guess they've been fairly liberal with small business loans for people. I know our plan is complete. God willing I'll be in business for myself in another month.

I got a hilarious letter today form the insurance company managing my injury case. They made me an appointment in mid November to be reevaluated. That means if I get a settlement it won't be until after that. Boy, these bureaucrates sure know how to drag things out. My Dad thinks their trying to starve me out. I think he's right.

I also took some time out yesterday to write the story of my Iron Warriors army. Apparently, an introductory story along with your army at a convention gets you extra points. Here's what I came up with:


The air was unusually crisp and cool for a midsummer day. Crowds were gathering under the honeyroot tree near the newly completed city defense complex. The massive blue-black adamantite walls loomed above the citizens of New Kabu. Walls that took the Imperiums finest engineers over 30 years to build, walls that were said to be able to hold back any army that dared to attack the bustling city and it’s vital starport.

Count Thanious strode confidently across the battlements. Making his final inspections before the dedication ceremony. His hand moved gingerly across each and every cannon as he walked. As he approached the podium atop the wall he swelled with pride seeing the masses of people gathered to celebrate. Perhaps now the citizens of New Kabu can live in peace and comfort.

“Good people of New Kabu… See now before you the walls of our fair city. The troubles of the past are behind us and we now enter a new era.”

The roar of the crowd was deafening. But, Count Thanious continued knowing this was his finest hour.

“Let us give praise to the Emperor!! Let us be thankful to him for providing these walls that will endure before our enemies. Walls that can hold back the very tide of Hell!!!”

The whole city seemed to rejoice at once. In fact, it was almost as if all of nature, the planet, even the galaxy was triumphant in this day. Count Thanious knew he had made a name for himself. Perhaps he was even more beloved by his people than the Emperor.

Three months later

The smell of burning flesh permeated the throne room. Count Thanious stood looking out the window at the destruction of his beloved city. A frightened aide suddenly burst into the room.

“Your Excellency the enemy is storming the courthouse. We can’t put up a defense. We have to flee the planet.”

“Idiotic fool!!! Even you should be able to see that we can’t escape! Where are the reinforcements I was promised?” the Count barked back.

“My Lord… Inquisitor Harkin said the Imperial forces should enter orbit in two days.”

“We don’t have two days you imbecile” the Count said slowly “We have no choice. Send a runner. Inform the enemy leader that I wish to discuss terms with him.”

“Yes my Lord” the aide replied reluctantly.

Some time later a group of huge armored warriors entered the throne room. Each one shone like the polished silver tea set on a nearby table. Count Thanious twitched nervously at their sight. Were they aliens? A disturbing silence fell over the room and it was like Thanious could hear his own heart beat.

Then the largest of the warriors strode forward and removed his helmet with a mechanical hand. His ancient human face burned like fire, with eyes that revealed a hundred thousand horrors.

“Count Thanious, I am Master Warsmith Khoss of the Iron Warriors. I understand that you wish to speak to me.” The strange warrior said with a firm smile.

“Uh, well yes… I wanted to perhaps discuss terms for the peaceful surrender of our city.” The count uttered cautiously.

“Terms! How unusual… You are a fool if you think we have come to capture your pitiful hole.” Khoss paused as if to restrain his anger. “Need I remind you that it was you who issued a challenge to us!”

“Challenge?” Thanious replied humbly. “I don’t recall a challenge.”

“Oh indeed! Do you think the Dark Gods don’t listen? You said these walls could hold back the very tide of Hell. Well, Hell is here and it took us only 4 days to breech your pathetic defenses.”

Thanious sat speechless as the horror of reality fell over him.

Khoss quietly surveyed the room and then turned his attentions once again to the ailing nobleman before him.

“Your false God will one day realize that we cannot be stopped. No wall, no shield, no bunker, nothing can prevent us from exacting our revenge.”

With that Khoss motioned to his soldiers.

“Send word to the rest of the army. Destroy every image, statue, sign, every trace of that bloated corpse they call a god. Take the Count and his servants as my prisoners. They will serve as our slaves… Perhaps in a hundred years of back-breaking labor on Medrengard will they realized their mistake”

Khoss then turned and strode out the room like a man with a purpose. The city of New Baku had hell to pay this night. And the debt collector was in a bad mood.

Well, it took a major disaster with my Iron Warriors to get me off my butt and painting again. Yesterday we decided to move our computer desk which is also my painting desk. I had my entire army perched precariously on top of a tool box. Like an idiot, I tried to put the box on top of the desk and my back seized up. I ended up dropping the whole mess. My Basilisk broke, and several of my miniatures lost limbs and guns. So, I spent part of the day today reassembling them and fixing the chipped paint jobs. In the process I finished painting my second Havok squad, and started painting my Veteran squad. Hopefully tommorow I'll keep up the momentum and get my cultists done as well.

Today I found myself thinking alot of my friend Bear. It's been amost a month since I broke the ice with him and he has yet to try to contact me. I am disappointed. I saw him a couple times on ICQ but I resisted the urge to say hi. I feel like he has to make the next move. Unfortunately, Zouave is right... I think that he won't. Bear just doesn't trust me and I don't blame him. You see I scorned him for a long time and really looked down on him. Once long ago we had a group of Jehovah's Witnesses come to our house for bible study. Bear happened to be there and started studying as well. Eventually, we gave up on their idiotic beliefs but, Bear stuck with it. It became a thorn in my side and I became ashamed of him. I always looked at him as a brilliant man but, here he was falling for their line. I guess it appealed to the "rules hound" in him. He would even try to defend it to me. I told him several times it would bring an end to our friendship but he stuck with it. I soon became very scornful and bitter toward him and his entire family. A month ago when I apologized to him it was for that scorn and shame. But, I doubt he knew that. Honestly, I'm not really sure why he is mad at me or why he still holds a grudge of this magnitude. Now, he professes to be a Pagan following the Asatru assembly. Frankly, I'm just happy that he has finally gave up on the JWs.

Going back to my thoughts about him... I found myself teetering between being angry and wanting to make another move. I am very hesitant to make an enemy. Especially, one of an old friend. But, this silence is madening! I know it is his way to ignore a problem if it doesn't bother him too much. But, I can't stand it. I can say this for sure... I will not crawl. I do have my pride. Perhaps it is as my wife suggests... That I should stop chasing people who don't want to be my friend and continue my search for those who do. I have an old pal that lives in Reno that I'd like to find again. Stout says he will get me his email address soon. Until then I'll treasure what I have and continue to keep trying to paint my Iron Warriors.

We went to go see "Changing Lanes" this afternoon. What a great movie. Being a philospher I tend to read into things alot. This movie presented a beautiful example of human drama involving morality. The main character(Ben Afleck) screws up at the start of the movie and ends up weaving a web of lies and cover ups to protect himself. All the while he screws up the life of a complete stranger (Samuel Jackson). I really understood this movie because I used to do the same thing. I'd tell lies to cover up old lies. As the character in the movie did I found that it's better to be a moral man. It's too stressful to try to keep up with all the stories. Anyway, I highly recommend the movie for anyone thinking of seeing it.