Videos hopefully this weekend

Barring some craziness I will be shooting those videos this weekend.  But so far I think my friend will come and we'll get them shot.

Nothing much else going on.  The Hispar boots are doing well.  They are still gappy in the ankles, but other wise they are breaking in nicely.  I do need to clean both pairs of my boots. 

I guess I've lost weight since I ordered my belt.  I tried on the belt and well it's 4" too big, which is how much I lost at my natural waist.  I'm losing my gut, but apparently not as quickly as some other parts of my body. 

Yay for weight lost.  And it's not a hard fix.  Just need a hole puncher and to cut the excess now.

Deb has informed me she will start the tunic Dec 1st.  So fingers crossed it'll be here in late Jan.  Maybe I can start trooping in the spring.  YAY!

Hispar Decent Boot Reviews

When I got back from Star Wars Celebration I had a big box of fun waiting for me.  I pulled the box out and I took a breath of relief.  They don’t suck.  But I had to wait for the next moment.  I was going to wait and try them on at a later time, because I was uber tired.  But I couldn’t.  I pulled out another pair of breeches and grabbed my socks. 

                They fit well.  They aren’t a 100% fit.  There are a few issues.  The ankle area is a little gappy on me.  They are a tad tall, but hopefully when they are broken in they will be the right size.  The shaft of the boot fits my leg well.  Overall I’m very happy with these boots so far. 

                501^st standards?  These are tall leather riding boots without zippers.  I believe these boots will definitely not hold you back.  I believe if you get them sized right for you, these suckers will work well.  They have a lot of different sizes and apparently they also offer customs at a reasonable price (I think it starts at $499). 

                I’ll update the review if they fall apart in like 2 weeks.  But the leather quality looks good.  These aren’t Ariats but I’m impressed so far. 

I wrote the above text last week, I have gotten to ride in them once.  

I like these boots.  They are comfortable.  The ankles are a little too gappy, but they look and feel nice.  The break in process I don't think is going to be a long.  I think by my third or fourth ride they should be good to go.  Honestly the height is not going to worry me.  I think they are going to be perfect once they are broken in.

I cleaned them tonight with my Dehners and really couldn't tell them unless I looked at the ankle area.  (The Dehners are more broken in.)  I'm very impressed with these.  


Now just a side note.  When I got ordered these apparently the company had an issue with the boot I ordered.  I guess the quality wasn't what they felt it should be.  So they had to order from their overseas supplier.   

I, personally wasn't in any rush, but the company felt that the delay was unacceptable, so they offered me either a free pair of gloves or a 5% discount on the order.  I don't like wearing gloves, only wear them for shows, so I took the 5% off.  I got an email today that I was refunded the 5% to my Paypal.  And it is.  :)  Good customer service always makes everyone happy inside.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Personal Blog

I'm still waiting patiently for my Imperial Officer uniform.  It'll be like Christmas day when it arrives.  I just hope it won't be Christmas when I get it. 

I will be volunteering at the Dulles Air & Scare with Garrison Tyrannus on Saturday.  I'm pretty excited.  I really enjoyed it last year.  Disappointed I won't be able to take part, but fingers crossed I'll be trooping the Richmond parade Dec 1st. 

I will be keeping this blog, but for my other nerd ramblings and horse related ramblings I created a different blog.  If you care to read my other stuff: http://equestriannerd.blogspot.com 

I have a boot related blog post on my computer at home.  I will post it soon. 

Say no to Cyberbullying!

So apparently an ABC news channel in FL thought it was funny to make fun of us Star Wars fan at Star Wars Celebration.  The original post was taken down, but the news channel has refused to say they're sorry.

Being a "nerd" it amazes how many people make fun of what they think is a "dorky" hobby.

I think everyone has something their passionate about sports, music, animals, etc.  I'm passionate about horses and so called "nerdy" things.  I'm a huge Star Wars fan, but also passionate about Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Godzilla, and Ultraman.  Those are my biggest nerddom addictions.

Have I had to explain conventions to people?

Yes.

99% of the time they think it's cool after the realize why I do it.  Dressing up is fun.  Pretending to be someone else just for a day or two is so much fun.  It's such a great feeling to share your enthusiasm with other fans.  When I dressed up as Ultraman at Otakon in 2010, a whole lot of people were so excited.  That mask killed me, but it was so worth it, because it made a lot of people happy.

There was a moment where my friend Jason made this young boy in a wheelchair so happy.  He was dressed up as Scorch and the little boy was so tickled to see it.
501st raises so much money for various charities.  Every member in the 501st makes a difference when they suit up.

And this news channel wants to say we're losers?  It's disheartening.  If they had real merit they would have had a retraction and an apology written up as soon as they realized their wrong.

Good article:
http://www.wired.com/geekmom/2012/09/cyber-bullying-towards-star-wars-fans-not-cool/

Star Wars Celebration

                I went to Star Wars Celebration last weekend.  The fever to get into the 501^st has strengthened.  I meet facebook friends, VA Garrison friends, people that I helped with boots on the forum.  It was a great weekend, exactly what I needed.  Even though I hate my job, I feel more energized and refreshed.

                Here are a few of my favorite pictures…

General Update

I started this blog back in Nov 2010!  I was dumbfounded when I looked at the creation date.  It doesn't seem like it's been that long.  Still not in the 501st yet.  But oh well.  Things are coming along slower than I'd like but I'm patient. 

I wanted to put the posts that seem to generate the most interest on the side link for easier viewing.

VIDEOS
I've promised videos forever.  I really will get to it.  I actually did shoot two videos back in Dec/Jan timeframe, but my memory card was corrupted and it didn't load. 

Few Video Ideas
*Measuring For Your Boots
*Proper Fit
*Going the Custom Route
*Maintaing your Boots
*any other videos you'd like to see?

If you have a question please feel free to email me: dressapp@gmail.com 
If you comment on a post 90% time I don't see it.  I'm going to try and figure out how to modify that so I can answer your posts quicker. 

Star Wars Celebration!

                I had decided a few months ago not to go Star Wars Celebration.  I orginially thought I would be going to Dragon*Con.  Then our contract has been up and down.  Talks of paycuts and layoffs were in everyone’s ears.  I decided to not deal with the cons and just not think about going to Dragon*Con or Star Wars Celebration. 

                Then we get the news about our contract.  We have a paycut, but at least we have a job.  We are able to use our leave on a “borrowing” system.  I’m deciding that I’ll go to Dressage at Devon this year.  It’s a big horse show and our association sponsors a class on Thursday.  Not everyone seems to be going this year.  But I’m going to use my “borrowed” leave and take off for that.

                Star Wars Celebration is still in my head.  I want to go yes.  I went back and forth with myself.  I’m not a spontaneous person and planning a trip less than a month away is too much like spontaneity for me to deal with. 

                I’m going.  I decided on Wed that I’m going.  Thanks to a bit of peer pressure from my coworker.  I booked my plane ticket and my hotel room.  I haven’t had a “vacation” really since end of Sept last year.  I will be at the con, but my ass is definitely going to have some time in one of these lounge chairs poolside at the Hilton Orlando. 

                If you see me, say hi.  I don’t bite much.  I haven’t planned my schedule out fully, but I’m going to the Kevin Smith thing on Thursday night.  I’m pretty much going to be a free spirit going where I will and want.  I think the only thing I really really want to do is attend the From World War to Star Wars panel. 

Ordering Boots

So I'm ordering the Hispar Decent Boots today.  I hadn't planned on ordering them so soon, but my custom Dehners need to go back and get fixed (if they can be).  So I really need a pair that I can show in.  Hopefully they'll be in for my show next Saturday.  ::fingers crossed::

It looks like a nice boot.  $240 for men's (and womens) plus size calf.  (For those without a crazy big calf the normal sizes are $199)  I had to get mens in size 7, because the woman's calf sizes wouldn't fit me.  The only problem I can think of will be the height. My legs are short, we'll see.  Probably going to put next day shipping on these bad boys. 

Code Cylinders

If arts and crafts were a graded subject I'd fail the crafts portion.  When I was a kid I drew some amazing horses, I thought they were awful at the time, but when I found one of my old artbooks I realized gosh I was actually good for my age.
But crafts not so much.
I have no qualms about buying things from people who make things.  I'm a big fan of etsy and I'm a bigger fan of people who make my life easier.
Can I sew, yes.  I actually got half decent, but now I'm way too busy and patterns are too much like puzzle and I fail at puzzles too.  Something is wrong with my brain in that department.
The code cylinders are the only thing I can't seem to buy with ease.  I was on the Imperial Forum a few months ago and I was reading one of the posts on the cylinders.  I wasn't reading very well because someone goes, "These are perfect!"  So I grabbed a few.  I'm not sure I think maybe just two.  When I got the package in I'm like these aren't perfect.  I re-read the post, he meant the clips on the dosimeters were perfect.
I was like okay well I'll do this myself.
Yeah that was months ago.  Life got hectic and crazy and I pretty much put the thought of code cylinders out of my mind.
Until now.

I had my dad help me get the clips off.  He bent it a tad bit, but once I figure out how to secure it on the chalk holder it won't matter, it's not off by that much.
Tomorrow I'm going to grab blue paint to paint the washer and I need glue.
But it's a start.  Now I have to figure out where I put the other dosimeter, it's somewhere in the house.  I only need one, but backups are always good to have.

Nevermind...

The website that I previously went to was ridersmall, which is the same company as Hispar, just sells under a different name.  Ridersmall has the pullup option to their boots.  But the Hispar site doesn't.  I'll be ordering these boots next month, so look for the review.  Ignore this post:  

When I was at Saddle Liquidators I found that they sold Hispar boots.  These would be perfect for many folks because they make such a variety of sizes, especially wides.

When I looked at their website last week I found that I could fit in their men's dressage boots if I got a size 7 wide calf.

When I was inspecting them at Saddle Liquidators I noticed that they are really nice.  The price is not bad either.  No more than $300, not sure what it is now.

And they had no zipper!

But now they aren't on the website anymore!

Complete bummer.  I'm going to email the company see if you can see order them.

Boot Shopping Horrors

I went to Leesburg, Virginia today to volunteer at the USDF Region 1 Youth Team Competition. It's a two day show, showcasing youth riders in Region 1 (MD, VA, and a few other states). I have to say going to a show like this makes me excited about the future of the sport. Despite having a long day I figured I had time to go by Saddle Liquidators and go boot shopping.

I've lost some weight, I figured hey I can find a cheap pair of tall boots I can ride and costume in.

I have to go back to Friday real quick. I went to Dover Saddlery for their tack shop. In the catalogs the Mountain Horse Firenze dress boots would fit me!!!!!!

Nope. She put me in a different Mt Horse, the ones with the back zipper, but size 10. They fit, but I wasn't a fan of how the expanded. So fail on that part.

So back to today. I got dressed in a pair of breeches and went tromping through Saddle Liquidator's stock of boots. They carried Ovations, Mt. Horse, Ariats, and a few other brands. Ovations were crappy.

I was appalled. I noticed a lot of tack shops starting to put them in clearance and I finally realized why. The leather quality is a sad state. These boots are all new. The most stress that's been put on the leather is people putting them on and zipping them up. They were so cracked and wrinkled. No wonder why they were 50% off.

When I saw the Made in India also was a note to be cautious. A lot of times tack that's made in India is really poor quality leather. Sometimes the leather is painted black, so they can chip and peel. There is a tack store near me that sells Made in India tack and it's just awful. Just doesn't hold up well. Another thing I noticed was the glue. Most boots the soles are glued on. The few Ovation boots I picked up had shoddy glue jobs. I checked Dover's review and a few people complained about the zipper, and one complained about the soles coming off. So just be wary with Ovations.

My search continues...

Go Explore...

My friend Budi Tulodo on my mare in a nice pair of dress boots. To be a perfect fit they'd have to be 2" taller. (me being nit picky)

My mother’s ringtone is the “Imperial March”. I would fear her more than I fear Emperor Palpatine. I’m sorry Sith don’t scare me, but an angry Korean mother makes me quake in fear. I love my mom, despite her crazy ways, she is a great mother and she has taught me invaluable lessons over the years.

Last year, my father and I got my mother an iPad. This was her first non cellphone device she’s had since Ninento handheld. She discovered youtube which she watches all her favorite Korean comedies and soap operas on. She told me she clicked on a link looking for a tv show and she found her first pornography website. Then her newest discover has been recipes.

The internet is a powerful tool. I mean just look at the wealth of information you can get from just typing in a few simple words. You can do comparison shopping. You can find reviews. You can be like my mother and discover porn and recipes.

But you can discover 800 million recipes, but unless you actually try to make it, it’s just another browser search. I have tons of recipes on my pinterest site, but I’ve made like two. While boot shopping online is convenient for most costumers because they don’t have to go into the shops, I think you need to go to the stores and try on boots.

I think many folks are embarrassed. Honestly, don’t be. Most tack store owners are used to hearing people coming into their shops for variety of different reasons. When I talk to the local tack shop, she said she’s heard some crazy plans for the stuff she sells. And when I told her about the 501st, she was completely enthralled. She thought that what the 501st does was completely cool.

And honestly you don’t have to tell them what your plans are. You can just say you’re in a market for a pair of tall boots. Most stores are willing to help you out.

Support your local tack shops. Most of them are locally owned. Many since the economy has tanked aren’t doing as well as they have in the past. And if you’re on a budget, some still offer layaway plans. If you have stores like where I live, they can find things in their catalogs that they may not often carry, but they can still order.

update

Gasp! An update. I know. Life grabbed me, put me in a blender, and pushed crazy. There are a few sales going on. Dover Saddlery is having a summer sale at the moment until August 31st. So check them out. They also have retail stores if you prefer going to the stores and trying your boots out.

pain 1 me 0

So my left hip has been causing me some pain tonight. I've been in a half sleep state since midnight. Finally just gave up.

I'm worried that it being so nice temperature wise, that Feb is going to be in for us. I'm moving my mare to a facility that doesn't have a barn yet. So I'm doing some online shopping.

Found some of these open box deals from Horse Lovers.
Open Box Deals

If you have a skinny skinny leg and small feet, may work out for you.

Exciting news...

I was at my local tack shop, Double L Tack, and I was talking to the lady there. I feel bad because I'm horrid with names and she knows mine. Anyhow. I told her about the blog before and she shared some good news. Ariat one of the best boot companies has finally decided to start making more calf size options. I guess enough people have finally complained so they are adding gussets and are going to include bigger calf sizes.

They had wanted to launch the new line last Christmas, but it won't be launched until this fall.

Happy New Year

A couple days late.   I hope you guys had a great holiday season.  My dad got me a new camera that I can't wait to use at cons.

If my horse and I qualify early in the season, I hope to head too three Celebration 6.  I want to do Dragon*con, but Sept is way too busy for me horse show schedule wise.  My students are keeping me extra busy this year.

SALES!!!
This is the time of year that horse catalogs get rid of old inventory, so.check oout your local tack stores or online shops.