Why Vader as part of my blog name?

The movie came out when I was 7. And now all the main characters have been retired (killed off) in the last set of movies.  The timing seems to be right to align with my retirement. Except I hope not to be killed off as part of it.

The Star Wars story has become a part of our culture in the last 50 years. What better thought experiment then what it would be like if Darth Vader was considering retirement?

I think Darth Vader would struggle emotionally with having enough.  To know when to put his feet up and to stop conquering. The Empire was always reaching for more.  One more planet, one more galaxy, more power, more control. What would have happened if Darth Vader and the Empire was ever satisfied with what they had? Would Darth Vader have ever retired? It could have been a different ending.

There is a real struggle to realize you have met your goals.  That you have made it and are now independent of the grind of 30 to 40 years.  That you no longer need to conquer.

Darth Vader deciding to hang up the cape and shutting off the Imperial March music would be a struggle.  He would struggle giving up his executive title of Lord Vader. He would struggle with not being powerful and being home all the time with Padme.  Overall he would struggle with what is next.  

Right where I find myself.   

So I find it fun to imagine Vader going from work to retirement.  I can relate

Any personal reasons for the name Vader?  

The first goes back to a girl I dated in a Galaxy far, far away.  Ok she lived a few miles away but we were at different stages of life that made it seem that way. 

Throughout my life the image I give off at first sight is that shy, sometimes backwards kid that has the squeaky clean look.  Well this girl saw that and she also could see through some layers to see what I wanted.  That I wanted to be the “bad boy”.  She called me Vader.  In irony.  Her little joke.  Got to say I liked it.  Our galaxies or lives were light years apart so we parted ways.  

Another impression that some people can get of me is anger.  For whatever reason when I am deep in thought or trying to figure out something I get a “resting” face which radiates anger or evil.  Jaw clenched, forehead vein throbbing, extremely serious look on my face. I could be extremely happy inside but people only see the outside pissed off look.  I think of it as Vader face

Over time I met my Padme and settled down and had my little JEDIs.   As they grew up they gravitated to the Star Wars universe and became a bit like me.  Smart kids, maybe a bit nerdy, but I say more Leonard than Sheldon to mix my metaphors.  And every Star Wars show known to mankind made up most of my kid’s favorite TV shows / movie experiences. 

And for one father’s day the perfect gift for Dad. They surprised me with a Darth Vader Toaster.  It looks like Darth Vader’s head. It toasts each piece of toast with one dark side, one light side.  The universe has spoken.

What do you do with the best toaster ever?  You take it to work.  Back in the day when people would go to office buildings I rose from living in a cloth box to having an office with a door.  What do people with offices do? The fun ones decorate.  Most pick a favorite sports team, some pick an outdoorsy theme, some stay with a work theme.  

What is a guy with an old nickname of Vader and the best toaster do in his office?  Well combine my little bit of geekdom with bad decorating taste and my office became a tribute to all things Sci-Fi culture. 

 It has a Darth Vader doorbell, a Star trek door covering, a War of the World movie poster, Space travel posters, and my Godzilla poster. Let’s say my office stood out and no one would call me boring.  There is no way to decorate a house this way (so Padme tells me) but an office is fair game 

And once you start down this kitschy path it just takes on its own life at times – more Vader, more empire.

Like many bloggers I am part engineer (only half I would say).  I am not the typical techie as most of my career has been spent building whatever someone else has designed.   Like a Death Star.

I like to think Anakin Skywalker was likely an engineer.  He spent his time fixing pod racers and everything mechanical as a young kid.  Then building a Death Star as a throat choking Project Manager.  Got to say Vader would have been a kick ass engineer.

Another reason for the Vader theme is a small tribute to a favorite blogger.  It was a blog written by Dr. Doom at livingafi.com.  Long time dormant blog but likely one of the best written, heart on your sleeve blogs out there.  I appreciate seeing deep behind the curtain.  I also appreciate the humour, the Dr. Doom / Superhero references always added to the point he was making in his story.  Hopefully I can find my funny bone when talking about my struggles.    

Why “On FIRE”?

On Fire has a few meanings for me.    The first meaning comes from when I was younger. Someone doing well was “On Fire”.  Can’t lose. On a winning streak. In the Zone. Killing it. You’re on Fire.   Typically, you were playing a video game or playing a sport like basketball and you couldn’t miss.  Your game was On Fire

The 2^nd and main meaning is based upon the F.I.R.E. moment.  The meaning of FIRE is Financial Independence Retire Early.  It came out as a thing in the mid-2000s as blogs became a popular way to connect to people. I discovered and followed all the popular blogs and it definitely has had an influence on me.  

A 3rd fun reason for Vader on Fire? Well Anakin was birthed into being Vader by being set on Fire.  Hopefully my rebirth to retirement is less painful.

My plan is to have a fantastic retirement. So good that Vader will be On FIRE.

I wouldn’t want to guard him