Darth Malik wrote:
Let me share a little story with you.

When my girl and I first got together, I was not what you would call financially stable. But, at the time, I was shopping for a kukri. So, I was looking online, and found one I liked, which looking back now was kind of chintzy, but most importantly, it was cheap. She expressed the opinion that I'd be better off not getting it, and, having been used to people constantly giving me crap over things I liked since a very young age, I hunched my shoulders, said "Okay", and let it drop.

A week later, I got a package in the mail from Nepal. She had custom ordered me a handmade kukri from one of the same places that makes them for the Gurkhas. And she told me something that absolutely changed my life, which I'm going to tell you now.

She said "Never settle. If you're into something, I want you to be into it enough that you don't skimp, that you have the best you can get. And if you can't get it on your own, I'll help you. Because I love watching you get excited about stuff, and it makes you happy."

Recently, she had to repeat that advice to me when I discovered that lightsabers were now something I could afford, now that I've moved to somewhere with an actual economy and have a job that doesn't only pay two cents above the legal minimum. I saw the SF Bane on etsy, got really excited, and then almost backed out and bought something from another, cheaper saber-maker, even though I didn't like it as much. I actually had the purchase through the other place on the checkout screen when she walked by, stopped, and said "That's not the one you wanted, is it?"

"No," said I. "But it's a hundred bucks cheaper."

She made a face at me, and responded "Psh, bills are paid. Now, get the one you like before I smack you."

So, I got myself a Champion Bane. And then, just to really rub it in, she turned around and bought herself a Hero Reborn. Come this payday, we're going in on the "Two Warrior Tier" ASP pre-order together. And we're already figuring on lightsaber fights being part of the festivities at the wedding we just bought a license for.

So yes, love what you love, as we've told you. But, as others have also mentioned, having someone beside you who loves what you love, or loves that you love it, is something that you can't put a value on.

So yeah, hang on to that girl, man. If she'll let you tie a knot around her, even better. Because, as the song says, it's a long trip alone. And why fight the Empire (or the Rebellion, if that's your thing) alone, when you've got someone willing to cover your back?

And wow, I got WAY too emotional there.

Sorry guys!

Ah crap... someone spilled feels all over the floor. Now who's gonna clean this up?



(He's still got that kukri, yanno.)

ThylacineWings wrote:
They're gonna bury me with that kukri, yanno.

Okay, whew.. let's get off the feels train now.

Was it stated what color Malik was getting that Venom in? *desperately tries to change the subject*

Darth Malik wrote:
NEVER let anyone make you feel bad for liking the things that bring you joy, even if others insist that they're stupid or silly or a waste of your money. Happiness is fleeting a lot of the times and if a "glorified flashlight" makes you happy, well... buy twenty!

Of course, this advice comes to you from a chick who's currently wandering around the house at 0100 and eating fried chicken while dressed as a dinosaur so YMMV.

@Afadir: did you wife her yet? Because I think you should wife her right away.

Ordered a Champion Exile 12W+ Green off Etsy on 9/12. Going into my 4th week now,so not so much wait beginning as wait enduring. This is my first saber so those of you who have sabers already or also waiting on your first can understand my anticipation. I'm hoping I'm about halfway there. So excited!

Afadir wrote:
Don't dare apologize for that. Congratulations!

Afadir wrote:
Don't give it a second thought. We all know that sabers are not the only passion our members have!

I decided to make it a Star Wars Christmas this year. I ordered two champion editions two months ago off the main site and just got word Fri that they're entering the queue. One is for me, one is for the older stepson.

I thought I would be waiting for news at least another month... and they're orders for Christmas so it'll be hard not to play with them (beyond some initial 'testing') till late December.

Of course after talking to my wife, we decided that the younger stepson would get a little upset if he didn't have a lightsaber that can hit things and I don't want a bunch of pre-teen kid hands all over my saber... so I went back and ordered two warrior tier sabers off etsy the other day for the younger one and any house visitors/wife usage. I'll have to donate the color change lightsaber toy we got already.

I think it'll be an exciting time unwrapping presents this year, although there's not really gonna be much under the tree but the sabers. Now I just have to get two more saber bags and some good lanyards.