Mordechaj

Go to a HEMA club, you can't throw a punch without hitting a nerd or a geek

I was quite impressed with the very short biography of Mordechaj Anielewicz in my high school history book, so I decided to take up his first name as an online identity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordechai_Anielewicz If you have to go, don't go quietly. An all around sound guy, socialist for equal Israeli-Palestinian rights.

reading the start and middle of your post (falling out with the instructor) - I just hoped "let this guy discover HEMA, where there is skill instead great authority"

I agree with the don't worry part, but rather suggest to be one of the old farts. It's much more liberating approach. http://theoatmeal.com/pl/minor_differences2/locker_room

What they said above + if self defense is a factor - at some point in time get classes in MMA.

Fill PVC pipes with water, weight will move around when you try lifting/squatting, etc.

No no no, you've got it all wrong! Sticking fingers in your ears is for the person next to the whistler!

I could never stomach the preachyness of Art of Manlyness. Can somebody tell me a single character trait that they perceive as a manly characteristic, that they wouldn't like to see in their daughter?

I use every business travel opportunity to check up local HEMA clubs and crash in (announced) on their training. It's great fun to see other club's practices and quirks.

Can't go much longer bearded than this or I enter hobo territory.

No useful help from me, just hopping on the wagon - it's a great book!

Lidl and Aldi are your friends in this situation. Plan your meals for a week ahead, and you can get it

I'm on a primal scheme. Before I regularly drank fresh milk, now only (home made) kefir. Can't drink milk any more - I immediately feel bloated and sluggish. It's not that I didn't feel the same thing before, I was just used to it. Yogurt doesn't seem to bother me, but kefir has much more health benefits!

Since we are owned by three ( <3 ) cats and any beard balm *will* be transferred on them when cuddling (essential oils can be extremely poisonous to them) wife and I tried to research what essential oils would be cat-safe. In the end she'll make the next batch with no essential oils at all I think.