Mike's Baldric

These pictures are going to be more of the leather work process. This first picture shows a shoulder of hide or what is left over from everything else I've cut off. This "project" is going to be Mike's baldric. It will go from the right shoulder down to his waist on the left side. Basically when the sword is hung from his left side (because he is right handed) the weight will be distributed around his waist and also on his shoulder.


This one shows the same piece of leather with the main pieces cut out. What I am using to cut the leather with is called a strap cutter. It is so named because that is what it does. It cuts straps. There is a razor that cuts the leather on the adjustable arm. and the handle just makes it so you can pull the whole thing. It has measurements on it so you know exactly how wide you are cutting the leather. The reason I use this tool is because it allows me to keep a uniformity in the width of the leather.


Here Mike is modeling the pieces for us! The two shorter thicker pieces are going to be cut to size that drape from the shoulder down to the waist. The longer skinnier piece is the belt that wraps around the waist. Mike is just holding the pieces in place so I can take some measurements. After the measurements are taken we can move on to the next step of cutting them out and getting the holes punched. These are just straps and we aren't sure of the exact lengths we need for it to be finished yet.


Here they are with the holes punched and a few other pieces that were taken from left over scraps. We determined that with what we wanted to do and available materials we would need these couple extra pieces to turn out what would become the finished product. The loop would be in essence a big belt loop. We would affix two D-rings for the waist belt and the excess would need to loop back into something. The two diamond shaped pieces would be lashed to the shoulder straps down where the belt would be so that the belt could go through them and secure the whole thing together. The idea is that basically everything could be tied together to make it more multipurpose and change for a different wearer or purpose. and the long arrow looking piece would be the shoulder cap. We would rivet the two shoulder pieces together at that point.


The holes up and down the baldric would allow for different items to be attached. Utility items or patches symbolizing conquered enemies or great achievements. It takes some planning and also some practice pieces to figure out what you want. Mike, David and I all talked and planned and schemed over how to do everything just right to maximize use as well as make a visually impressive item. We found that the more simple design with a few fancy additions was the key to get what we wanted.


It takes some space and some work to turn out a piece like this. Here are just some of the tools needed to turn out something like Mike's baldric. One of the utility items he used was a knife. To keep with the patches on the baldric this sheath was built for the dagger so it would all match. The larger mallet was to set the eyelets and the smaller one was used to pound in the designs on the leather. There are a few cutting tools and shaping tools and the pounding pad and sturdy rock foundation. Since the sheath was going to be sewn together you can also see another sewn sheath to just see how it's been done before. Learn from the past and improve the future!


=D

Sneaky, Sneaky!

If you notice the time stamp it is day time. Is today my day off? No. It happens to be a beautiful day outside and a beautiful day inside. At my day job I have some downtime. Wow! I mostly wanted to see if I could do this. Sure enough, it worked because you are reading this! I started out today on a good note. My brother joined me in battle for a short bought to route out evil. I started the day here and it has continued to be a great one.

Last night I went to a fellow co-worker's house for a game night. We played Shadows over Camelot, Hearts and another game that I forgot the name of but it was easy and fun. I won the second round. I also won the game of Hearts. I shot the moon once! Roger may have but there was some confusion and miscalculation or dealt cards. Unfortunately we threw that round out because it wasn't determined exactly what would have occured because it was close. I was also introduced into the work of Mystery Science Theater 3000. I laughed my keister off until 1:30 in the morning. We watched the Wolf-man one. It's been a great day! Cheers to all!

Small Hobbies

For a while now, a little over two years, I've journeyed into the world of leather work. I have a small collection of weapons. I have decided to make some armor to join in the collection. This is the first of a string of posts that will be centered around some of the work that has been done.

This first picture is one of David priming for some silver paint that will adorn the ornate handle of this rapier that he made. Later pictures will show the scabbard that will be made for it. David has been making swords for a few years now. We both share a similar interest in arms and armor.

This is a picture of one of my first pieces I ever made. This helmet is a testament to my "learn-as-you-go approach." It is very large. I believe it more a learn how to stitch project more than a helmet but I still aim to see what I can do with it. I learned some concepts and then was sent to work. I have improved as I moved along. Mostly learning from what I did but always eager to learn from other sources my progress improves.


More to come. I only had a couple shots downloaded to my computer but you may see some stuff that you like. I had fun creating it.

Discipline or Training?

Experiencing tear gas is like getting the chicken pox: It is something you should experience once in your life. So is being on the receiving end of a Tazer!



If you wonder how it feels just watch the video again. I answer any questions. =D

CM808

Today is November 5th. Ever since I received orders way back in the day I looked forward to this day. It all started back in Dec of 2006. Thanks Travis and Curtis. Then June 27 '07. The next year May 13th through June 28. 16 months later this would have been the day of days. Unfortunately, this day was postponed for me to next April Fool's Day. That won't happen now. Now two months have ticked away while I wait for the next item of business to be brought up. I'm in no hurry.
Here's to all those that have done what I could not. My hat goes off to you. Congratulations and Good Luck!
-Techmeyer

This is where I live

This is my current room setup. I moved from many people on a floor sharing a public bathroom to this. The space is about the same but now we have our own bathroom. We also have a living room with a tv a couple of chairs and a couch. The "living room" is shared by six rooms.

This was on a saturday. During the week we have to have our room in inspection order and it is really clean and tidy. On the weekends we do laundry and other stuff etc. I pull out stuff for doing leather work etc. It gets messy for a couple of days and then back into the regimented life. Actually I have here a clip of my first room and how life was a bit. Hope you enjoy!

While under construction. . .

I unearthed a golden nugget from the past while digging around. I found some of this and with just a little bit of polishing I present to you a typical Saturday.

This was a little work on David's house.

Under construction

So there are quite a few posts coming your way but unfortunately it isn't today.  

Under construction with Bullard ( I'm the tall one )

One Year

There is a bunch of stuff going on right now.  I am pretty busy getting some stuff together and it should be good for an interesting post or maybe even a few.  But I just thought I would ask this question:

What did you do one year ago today?  

Culinary delights

I just wanted to mention a few noteworthy things.  Well, actually only one at this time.  FOOD!!

This is a picture of some people from class and we are cooking lunch.  Never mind my bad hair cut.  The guy that does it forgot one of the sizes and just butchered the side so tried to then even it all out.  It's a good thing I don't pay him very much.  Anyway, this is my buddy Jafar (that is just what I call him, long story)  and he is chopping up some greens with some assistance from Dave for some egg drop soup.  Speaking of eggs, their are both good ones and are nice to have around on a long day.  Yum Yum!

And wow.  On a scale of 1-10 if a 16 oz new york steak is a 7 this dessert is a 19!  I mention that because the steak was first.  It was amazing.  Oh so tender.  It was accompanied by some veggies and a baked potato.  My natural tendency to snap a photo at every opportunity was quelled by the fact it was a nice place.  What a view!  right on the corner of the bay.  Melodie was kind enough to have her cell phone with her to take a picture.  She saved the day!  For any visitors this is a must see location.  And by see I mean bask in the goodness of this wonderful location! 

From 18,000 feet up. . . (part b)

So this was one of my other favorite pictures that didn't post to the previous one.  

Topsy turvy eh?!?

From 18,000 feet up. . .

Saturday morning I woke up and all I saw was fog out my window.  Sad right?!?  Not so, I have lived here long enough to know what happens a short time later.  It got up to 90 degrees or so.  What a beautiful day.  Which happened to work out really well due to the fact that I had made some plans with a few friends to go SKYDIVING!!

We waited around for a bit and of course had to sign some papers.   Then we went up.  Took a plane to 18,000 feet.  It only took about ten minutes to get up to altitude.  Then the door was opened and guess who was the first to go.

Yep you guessed it.  We did our front roll out of the plane and then proceeded to do a free fall for about 90 seconds.  Think about that.  If you have a watch on go ahead and look at it.  Count off 90 seconds and see how long that is.  Now imagine falling for that amount of time.  

Keep in mind some of the physics involved.  We jump out and certain things start to take effect.  Gravity has a force of about 9.8 meters per second squared at sea level.  We accelerate rather quickly.  Factor in drag and a few other elements and we reach terminal velocity which is about 120 mph.  Yeah, it gets windy.

This is my jump master John.   

This whole thing was awesome!  What a great day!

Keepin' sane.

There is always stuff to do if you are willing to enjoy the moment and in my case document it, you can!

I just thought this was a funny picture.  Several saturdays there have been a group of us that get together and play strategy board games.  We had to stop by the store afterward and get some cough medicine.  We found funny hats!  This is my friend a few may know as Gaijinmetri. 

Again with the crazy deer.  They are weird and clearly not afraid.  I haven't posted a picture with a person in it for reference.  But you do get close.  The other day I was walking through the parking lot and all I did to move out of the way (which he was actually in my way.  He was taking up the whole path.  Him and his buddy) was to just detour around the side of a car and cut back in front of him.  He did stop walking and watched me pass him.  

Volleyball!  This is one of the saturday sports day activities.  We busted out and had some fun.  I still prefer beach volleyball but this will due.  Unless of course you want to dive for the ball then the wood burns get a little ouchy.

Rock out baby, Yeah!  Here are some people from class.  We were having a pizza and Rock Band night.  Tons of fun and a great way to blow off some steam.  And for anyone wondering yes I took all of these pictures.  I have a little tripod I put the camera on.  The people playing volleyball mocked me but I think it turned out well.  Also my classmates mocked me.  But I was a lively fellow and everyone had a good time.  I am only slightly posing in this rocking pose.  I say slightly posing because I am usually standing with my arms in the air.

Some great places

2009 the first quarter has also had me visiting some great new places and doing new things.  Here are a few that I will share with you today.

The boardwalk!  We drove up north and across the bay.  You can just walk around and see stuff or hang out on the beach.  There are a ton of shops you can go into and a bunch of restaurants.  You may also notice the rides in the background.  That is right.  You can buy tickets and ride them.  We did.  It was tons of fun!  Really first rate!  That one long roller coaster there is the oldest one in California!

Ok so you may have seen the ocean but I just can't get enough of it!  This was a random saturday I just felt the urge to have a little picnic on the beach.  The sun was shining and it was a nice warm day.  I think this was the last day in January for anyone who had snow on that day =D and wanted to just compare.  I stopped at subway and then went out to this beach that is fairly secluded due to the fact you have to hike up and over a massive sand dune to get to it if you don't want to walk down the coast (or drive as you can see someone had done)

Travis Air Force Base!  This is up near San Francisco.  I had the special opportunity to get out of class for a day and take a trip up there with a bunch of folks and get to see the little museum and some old planes.  We even got to go into a couple and climb around in them.  What a real treat.  It really was something special to get out and see what it is really like out there when you don't just sit in a class all day.  There is a point to it all. 

Birthdays and Leprechauns

A couple of Holidays have recently passed.  Here is what it was like for me here.

Here is the birthday boy at his desk.  I had just had lunch and then checked the mail.  Look at the haul!  That is tons of stuff!  I had cards and magazines and presents.  Wow what a great way to spend the day.  

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I didn't get pinched.  I was wearing green!  And of course not to forget the green food.  And you may also note the lucky charms!

And he's back.

It's been a while.  I know.  I have been busy.  To prove it, here are a couple of pictures to capture the moments of service.

Or in this case the hours of service.  It took a little more than three hours for them to finally get me into a chair.  This is me giving blood.  Yummy cookies, the little squeeze ball I got to keep, the oh so comfortable chair and the fact that they numb the area so you don't even feel the needle made this a wonderful experience.  

Here I am assisting in the changing of a very flat tire.  This was a lot of fun.  I realized that the jack I have for my vehicle may not raise high enough due to the extra clearance of it being an SUV.  I need to get some blocks of wood.  Not just a common thing around here like it once was for me.  

The drive back home

Before I took my wonderful vehicle that I have greatly missed back home I was able to enjoy a lot of time with everyone.  I even spent some time with mother nature.  

When I went sledding with Jen, Jer, and fam I decided we needed a proper snowman to watch us sled.  This is Fredrico jr.  Long story.  I haven't made a snowman in a long time and I really liked this guy.  What a great day!  Great trip really, and it wasn't over yet.

For my drive look at what it cost me to get started.  Amazing right?!?  Not bad I must admit.  Mike and David called me often (usually when I needed it the most)  and we only spoke for a few minutes at a time but it was very nice to have.  I always had some radio which was also nice.  There were a lot of miles that needed to be melted away.  speaking of melting. . . 

I did hit some snow up in the mountains and some rain in the valleys.  I stayed the night in Reno, NV.  I turned on the TV when I got to my room as some background noise but ended up falling right to sleep.  Woke up well rested and continued on my way.  This snow was what hit me after I left Reno.  

Here I am back in sunny CA.  Back to work as normal.  Going to formation through our wooded hills.  Have I ever mentioned how pretty I think it is here?  This is my friend Garret.  His ride ditched him in San Francisco so I went there to pick him up.  I don't like driving in big cities.  There is no place to park.  And you have to pay to use the restroom at the gas station.  I just went to the airport and waited for his flight to get in.  I had company at least for the last leg of the journey.  We are actually on our way to go get drug tested in this picture the next day.  What a wonderful two weeks of fun!  Thank you to everyone who put up with me for that time.  I had fun.  Thanks a million!

I had some fun during Christmas!

One of the best parts about being around your family and some old friends is since I haven't seen them in a while I can go from one group to the next and everyone is anxious to see me and we make the best of the time together.  

There was a lot of UNO!  I played it with several groups of people on several nights under different circumstances.  It is the classic game.  And house rules always spice things up.  Especially when I deal and folks might not have played some of my rules.  On one eventful night the group I was playing with said that one of the rules for the round was that I couldn't win.  I went out first but didn't win that round.  Go figure.  House rules right?!?

I even got to introduce a new game that I really enjoy.  I think it went over well.  Ticket to Ride.  This is the Europe edition.  And just like the first time I played it.  It looked like I was going to win and it was ripped out from under my nose.  See Kathy, you cursed me.  Nice job Hollie.  I did get to help my nephew Zachary play Settlers of Catan for the first time.  That used to be one of my staple games.  I was pretty good at it.  I played with him and his family.  I love playing games!

For as much fun as games are there are few things that work out built up stress like going shooting.  Since a picture is worth a thousand words this picture needs no further explanation.  Just thanks Kurtis!  

I was a good boy this year, well for most of the year.  I finally was able to get the stock I've been wanting for my shotgun.  It goes on top.  Don't I look so happy to finally get it?!?  Trust me, with this kind of a present this face means elation!  

I went back to my old hometown for Christmas

Here are a few of the highlights of me heading back to UT for Christmas.  

I was going to ride to the airport with a friend at 5:00 am.  I set my alarm for 4:00.  She was supposed to call me at 4:30.  At around 4:45 I got the call from her saying the cab was on the way.  Keep in mind she had never called a cab before and I had shown her how the week before when we went to a movie.  Apparently, as she claims, she had in fact called and I never responded.  I wasn't ready.  About five after five I was ready and called a cab.  I only had enough cash to get to the airport by splitting it.  I had to wait for a cab that took a card.  25 minutes later I was on my way to the airport.  Checking in took about a half hour.  Security took five minutes to disrobe, scan, and get my belongings back on my person.  The flight was boarding when I ran up to get on.  Just like on the movies.  Smooth

 sailing from there.  Quick 71 miles to San Francisco.  I know about the miles.  It was cheapest this way.  Breakfast in the airport.  Then on to SLC.  

My brother and his wife, Mike and Colette respectively, picked me up with excellent timing.  After a nice lunch it was off to start Christmas.  

Chloe Appears!!  Here is the fabulous moment when the nasty doll appears to wish Neil a very merry Christmas with a kiss on the cheek.  She pops up from time to time when you least expect it.  It has been going on for years.  What a great family tradition! 

We decorated some team shirts for some activities that would be used in the next day's activities.  Here is one team vying for the win at three pin.  Mike is very excited about getting someone out or some such thing.  And Jeremy like flash is only a blur as he speeds on for another point.  Colette is guarding the middle while David is in the back working out one of his conditions.  I give them grief because they won two out of three games.

Sarah and Neil also in their wonderful planning of activities got a black light which added new depths of entertainment.  We had a lot of fun with the glowing shirts.  

DOGGIE PILE!!  A little blurry but one of my favorites.  That is family love right there!  Good times had by all!  

I just can't wait to be King!

So apparently who needs to update in six weeks right?  Well I am told that I need to update.  This is the face that I imagine was used when they told me that.

No, not really but It happened to be a picture I took and I thought it would make someone smile who would read this!  

In the first part of Nov we had a day where we simulated traveling and doing a bunch of things one might do while doing that.  We also cooked and even played a few games.  This one is of my friend and I playing Chinese Chess.  Lots of fun!  I need to add that to my collection now!  

Here is something I saw a friend do and thought it could be fun.  I don't have other people do it but if you want to take a look at it it may be fun.  I started just by writing mine down to see.  It turned out different than I thought. 

1. Put your iPod on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the meme as well as the person you got the meme from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "ARE YOU OKAY" YOU SAY?

Let’s Get Rocked by Def Leppard                        Do I need to even comment?  Let’s Get Rocked is all there is whenever you would need to ask me “are you okay?”

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

All the Small Things by Blink 182                        I do have a lot of little quirks.  It isn’t the big stuff that makes me who I am, it is the day to day stuff and that all is a result of people like YOU!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

Faded Genes by Jeff Foxworthy                        Wow.  Apparently I am a little more redneck than I thought. 

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

How Do You Like Me Now by Toby Keith            Looks like I am learning new things about myself.  I am here to please you all.  I am like a little plant that grows for your enjoyment.  Am I there yet?

 

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

Sorry by Buckcherry                                    Ouch, so true!

 

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Hot Stuff by The Pussycat Dolls                        Not so ouch, but also true!

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

What About Now by Daughtry                        See!  My life’s purpose.  No really, a good reality check on my path as opposed to where I want to end up is a good thing.  I do often have to check it. 

 

WHAT IS 2+2?

Go the Distance by Disney’s Hercules            Numbers are distance.  Learn all about it.  Stay in school.  It may be rough now but it will all be worth it one day when you are smart and more importantly when you have a piece of paper that says you were smart enough to stick it out to the end.  Worth it’s weight in gold. 

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND(S)?

The Party Song by Blink 182                        They are always up for good times and making memories!

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette            There you go.           

 

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Real Good Man by Tim Mcgraw                        There I am.  Always trying to be a good person and grow up to be a man.  That is my goal.  I have hit many bumps along the way but I think I am going the right way.

 

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms                        Forget what I just said, I am going to be jealous! 

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Space Mountain by Disney                                     This is the soundtrack off of Space Mountain before they changed it.  When I see the person I like I am thinkin’ “ the Magic Kingdom baby!  The Happiest Place on Earth!”

 

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Trashin’ The Camp on Disney’s Tarzan            This is the perfect song for this.  This thing is magic.  You should try it. 

 

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Voodoo by Godsmack                                    This is a lively little number.  We might break out some black lights, glow sticks and the fog machines.  That would be really tacky but how fun would that be for my wife in her dress?!?

 

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Hellzapoppin’ by Louis Armstrong            If my wedding was a riot you will just love throwing out your hip at my funeral.  We are talking good times people!  I invite you all. 

 

 

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Skater Boy by Avril Lavigne                                    I have picked this one up.  I pretty much can’t be seen going anywhere these days unless you see me chillin’ it on my long board.

 

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Kokomo by The Beach Boys                        If you weren’t there then my lips are sealed. 

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

We Do (The Stonecutter’s Song from the Simpsons)

                                                                        Just listen to the song and you will understand my true feelings for my friends.  It is all true. 

 

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Don’t Cha by The Pussycat Dolls                        Don’t cha. . . what?  I don’t know.  Maybe the worst thing that would happen is that you all know I listen to the Pussycat Dolls.  Maybe a girl comes up and wants to be my special little lady.  Not a bad existence if you know what I mean.  I really am becoming more like James Bond. . .

 

HOW WILL YOU DIE?

White Trash Wedding by Dixie Chicks            Weird.  I like faded genes.  I may go to a lot of this kind of wedding.  I’d better watch out.  Maybe you had all better get your Jazz shoes on because I can hear Mr. Armstrong warming up.  Maybe you won’t have to throw your hips out after all.  Unless it is one of my grandkids. . .

 

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?

This Kiss by Faith Hill                                    If you really want to know my thoughts on this one you will have to ask me.

 

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

The Monorail Song ( another classic song from the Simpsons)

                                                                        It does, it is funny. 

 

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

Son of Man by Disney’s Tarzan                        Or I might cry when I have a son. 

 

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

Two Worlds by Disney’s Tarzan                        I have to much Disney on this thing.  Maybe to much Tarzan.  I think this song is more of a metaphor.  I as one world will come together with a person who is like another world.  We are different and it may seem that we don’t belong together because of our differences, yet it is that difference that makes us so strong.  We will not have the same weaknesses you see.  We will compliment each other.  As two complimentary angles make for a straight line.   

 

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

The Rules of Marriage by Jeff Foxworthy            Maybe it is marriage itself I am afraid of.  Of course the rules are funny but so true.  Oh well, I will give in eventually. 

 

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

Grease Lightning by Grease Lightning            Wow never having seen this show I don’t know whether or not I know how to interpret this.  Apparently someone out there just needs to Go, Go, Go ahead and speak up about their secret crush on me. 

 

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Fuel by Metallica                                                Apparently I will make things more green.  Let’s get on the resources that we have a lot of.  That is what I would do apparently.  Good plan. 

 

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls                                    (actually two worlds from tarzan came up again –the reprise- but I skipped it because two of the same song, I don’t think so.  Unless finding that special someone hurts in which case that is perfect and the most true of anything that is in this crazy list.  However, I still skipped it.)  My eye hurts.  Maybe because I have been reading to many books and looking at a computer screen for to long today.

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

I Just Can’t Wait to be King by Disney’s the Lion King

                                                                        Way to much Disney on this ipod.  I have so many other great songs.  Oh, well.  Cheers!