Taking Inventory

 I decide not to go out Friday or Saturday. Instead, I have been taking inventory of my unopen Lego sets. I have about 100 unopened Lego sets, big and small.  These sets go back to as far as 1992.  Over the years, I have sold some of my collection for a profit using Bricklinks.

Before I took inventory, I felt like it was time to sell some more. Now, I am not too sure.  Some are newer and will not make it worthwhile at this time.  

Lego only makes a set for a few years before it is retired for those who don't know.  Most are never remade. In the case of popular themes like Star Wars and Harry Potter, the issue new sets similar, but not the same as the old. These more recent sets are often made with smaller pieces or are not as good as the old ones.

It is a pretty safe investment to hold on to a popular Lego set for years and watch as it increases in value. Currently, I have an unopened set I bought for $6 back in 1992 that is worth an easy $200. Sadly, I used to have at least 2 more that I've opened long ago.

Even the original boxes and instructions can be worth big money for popular sets. I have two empty boxes from the late 1990s that are worth $75 apiece.  I will find the original pieces and instructions for these two sets and sell them as used sets. Each could sell for $400 used.

I was concerned it was much more. I have about $1600 invested in unopened Lego sets. Selling a fraction of them would recoup my investment in the toys.  I estimate the collection is worth 4 times that. Sure, some are harder to sell than others, but even an unpopular set will hold some value. Lego pieces are only getting more expensive to make.

Of course, this does not consider the vast number of opened sets and pieces around the house. I think I will be putting away a couple of those that have tripled or more in value used.

Riddle Me This

 Work encouraged us to dress up for Halloween. At first, I wasn't going to participate, but I dusted off my Riddler costume. I have about four different outfits stored.  All of them I had a hand in making.

The mask does nothing for me. It makes me look old. I think I have hit the wall.

What Did I Miss?

I have two hours before my 8:00 pm conference call with team members in China and Japan.  This call is one of three this week. I declined a fourth. It is cold out. Usually, by now, I would be curled up in bed with dinner and TV.  

I am disappointed by the late cancellation of a coffee date. She unmatched me a few hours later. Perhaps she did get cold feet. You never can tell what is on another person's mind. Sometimes I wish life had simple answers. They spoon-feed us the idea that you find your soulmate and live happily ever after. My parents may not have lived happily ever after, but they stayed together till death.

My reality has been more complicated than that. I am glad my marriage ended. It was a blessing for me. It was tragic for my boys, which makes me sad, but I played my part faithfully. Still, that path is so ingrained in my head that I cannot help feeling like I have done something wrong.

(Up) Date

 "Ugh!  Sorry about this! We just had a meeting at work, and I won't be done with work in time to meet. Raincheck?"

Despite confirming last night, I received the above message this afternoon. I responded politely that I understood and offered up an alternative date. I have to say, it doesn't look as promising. It will be up to her to suggest a new meeting time from here.

Dating is hard.  You have to maximize your opportunities because things like this happen. It is a lot of work. Few women peak my excitement enough to want to put in the effort. 

Dune

 Saturday, Max talked me into going to see the new Dune movie. I cannot remember the last time I was in a theatre. I read the books when I was Max's age. I don't remember much of the plot. The movie was better than the original Dune, but I still think it was slow and would have made a better Amazon Prime series.  

Max thinks it would be too expensive to be a TV series. I disagree. There is a lot of lore that needs to be explained.  This could stretch out the movie to a TV show without increasing the budget. It was better than the original Dune. Primarily because we have computer graphics today.

Sunday, I received both my COVID booster and the flu shot. I feel achy and sore today, but nothing terribly out of the ordinary. I was supposed to go out with Jay and Alexis this evening. However, I have a meeting with China and Japan.  I have meetings three nights this week. These need to wrap up. I don't mind one a week, but three cuts into my ability to do things at night.

Atomic Coffee

 I have a coffee date Tuesday evening. A few of you probably think I am rushing into things, but I feel like I was sitting back waiting to see how Firefly worked out. I have been on Bubble, swiping right on 90% of the images. I started a short conversation with a woman a year younger than me, but I was not interested and unmatched myself. There was no use putting any effort into something I felt in interest toward. 

That is when I matched with a second woman. Dating apps are geared toward the woman. I don't expect much success on a Tinder, Bubble, or Plenty of Fish.  Some would say it is because I am too picky or don't put in the effort. This could be true. I feel like you don't put your time into something that provides you diminished return.

Back to the second woman, Her opening line was a ridiculous sock puppet gif. That made me laugh and sparked my engagement. She mentioned she likes to watch weird movies in her bio. I asked her what the weirdest movie she watched lately was, and I said that a film I find funny and quirky is "What We Do In The Shadows."

She responded she was hoping to watch season three this weekend.  I didn't know they made a TV show based on the movie.  This was when I upped my game and mentioned getting to know each other better over a phone call, zoom, or, god forbid, coffee.  She chooses coffee.

When I told my friend and his wife about the date, he said, "Good, now maybe you will start having a normal life."

"I do have a normal life."

Perhaps it isn't the cookie-cutter scenario we were fed as kids, a lifestyle he still clings to with a wife that takes care of him, but my life is not abnormal. There are no rules we must follow except those we make for ourselves.  Do more good than harm. That is my rule.

If I am doing something wrong, I must be pretty good at it. I have everything I need. Jay got bent out of shape when we the conversations turned to the economy.  He is certain that inflation is here to stay. I am not convinced yet. Either way, he and his wife are millionaires. I sure they will be fine. Why worry and get upset over the things you cannot control.

I feel like inflation is a concern for those who need to stretch their dollars ever month to make the mortgage, not for a couple who just bought a second home in Florida with cash.

Morning Rain

 This morning it rained during my drive to work.  Lightning strikes lit the dark skies as I drove along the freeway. At times the rain strengthened to a downpour, creating puddles along the sides of the road.  The Gladiator has no trouble negotiating puddles, but I did have to pass a few people less equipped for the storm.

This week doesn't feel overly long, just monotonous. Firefly's departure has left me moody. I don't miss her, but it opens up old wounds.  One day I will learn not to invest so much of my time in one woman. It is best to "spin plates," as they say.

A couple people have suggested staying single for a bit. I feel like I would be better off putting myself out there.  Nothing will fall in my lap without nudging the tree. The holidays are coming up fast, and it is my least favorite time of the year, except last year when I was on the road for 24 days.  It is an excellent time to hook up.

Movie Time

 I went over to Alex's house on Saturday (Twin A). He was watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.  I have not seen a Harry Potter movie in years.  My kids and I watched them all the time when they were young. I decided to pick up from the fourth movie and continue watching the films. I will be watching the 8th and final film tonight.

All is quiet at the condo. I am disappointed things did not work out with Firefly, but glad that it didn't take long to figure out that things would not work. I am debating whether to look for a replacement or just lay low until the end of the year. Either way, Firefly will not be coming back. I am done dealing with her. It is well beyond the point of diminishing returns. I hope the best for her. I fear, at best, she will turn into an overweight, purple-haired feminist, which is marginally better than the alternative outcome.

 The real problem is, I have not seen anyone I am interested in. The dancer, Future, would make a good candidate, but I think she lives on the other side of town. With her handicap, that wouldn't work. It seems like most of the girls on SA (Seeking Arrangments) are the something-for-nothing variety. 

Sleep To Dream

 Lately, when faced with the choice of getting up or staying in bed, rolling over and trying to return to sleep wins out. There are only so many hours the body needs, so eventually, I start my day.

I am reminded of an episode of the TV show Ally McBeal. A woman wanted to be put back in a medically induced coma because, in her unconscious state, she was married, had children, and had a wonderful life. In the waking world, she had none of these things.

My dreams are not as complex a construct. They do bring me a sense of peace the waking world does not. My mind is cluttered with conflicting thoughts. It must be nice to be one of those people that believes in one ideology wholeheartedly. My world is full of grey.

I came down with food poisoning again yesterday. This time it was terrible. I could not even keep water down. I am still touch and go this morning. I am trying to eat something before I go to the office. I am weak from not eating. Moving around complicates matters. If I didn't just have 4.5 days off, I would call in sick.

I haven't heard from Firefly since she packed up on Wednesday. Which is fine. She may be clean, but that has not improved her selfish behavior. I am glad she made it through rehab, but she will quickly find life has several struggles sober too.

One more thing. I watched Dave Chapple's final Netflix show the Closer last night. People in the trans community are giving him hell for it. Dave Chapple is not only funny but he is smart. He gives you something to think about long after the jokes are over. He made one statement that I believe is true. "People don't listen to what he is saying."  If they did listen, they would hear that he is not punching down on Transgender women. His jokes on cancel culture are stop on. I am glad he is not afraid to do his act.

I tell you how I feel but you don't care
I say tell me the truth but you don't dare
You say love is a hell you cannot bear
And I say give me mine back and go there for all I care

I got my feet on the ground and I don't go to sleep to dream
You got your head in the clouds and you're not at all what you seem
This mind this body and this voice cannot be stifled by your deviant ways
So don't forget what I told you don't come around
I got my own hell to raise... Sleep To Dream, Fiona Apple

90 Days

Dreams often bring clarity. It dawned on me during my restless morning tumbling. That Firefly associates me with her trauma. This is what I felt. This is what was off between us when she was released. Consciously or, perhaps subconsciously she was uncomfortable around me. She was struggling with that.  She wants the benefits, but not the perceived negatives. I guess, I did too. In the end, neither of us is getting what we wanted. Firefly packed up and is gone. She is going to a 3/4 house. On the positive side, she says she is 90 days clean.

Reality Blows

 It is not going well. I got those vibes from the beginning.  Firefly hit the ground running as soon as she was released.  I am not saying she started using yet, but she quickly decided she was going to do what she wanted to do.

My problem is I am a guy, and I look at things logically. She is a female and is twisted up on emotions in overdrive. Logically, I think she would want to ensure a safe and secure home environment to allow her to meet her goals bur she is not present. I see few personal changes. There is a lot of impulsive choices and questionable decision. 

I don't know how to help her.  It has only been two day, but I think staying here under the current conditions will not work for either of us. I questioned why she even wanted to come back here last night. I said, I think a 3/4 house would be better for her. She has too much freedom here.

I was up front with my expectations. Firefly doesn't seem to know what she wants. Regardless, it seems she is unwilling to do what and I don't see a reason for her to complicate my life.  It would be nice to have her around. I don't like being alone all the time, but I am not looking for a platonic roommate with constant needs and drama.

This was foreshadowed. This is something I have already learned. You cannot bargain for a woman's desire. Events that happened recently in Tommy's life  , gave me a sinking feeling because I knew things were probably going to go the same way with Firefly.  

I tend to hold on to long when diminishing returns. I don't like facing reality. Reality blows. I am not just talking about Firefly. I am talking about getting older, finding companionship, and purpose.

As the telling signs of age rain down
A single tear is dropping
Through the valleys of an aging face
That this world has forgotten

There is no reconciliation
That will put me in my place
And there is no time like the present
To drink these draining seconds

But seldom do these words ring true
When I'm constantly failing you
Walls that we just can't break through
Until we disappear...Savior, Rise Against

Late Weekend Story

Last weekend, Tink, Tech, T-Rex, T-Rex's girlfriend, and I went to Stoney Creek metro park for a hike.  It was a lovely day, but it was really damp.  The mosquitos were out in droves.  They jumped you whenever you stood still. We let the kids head out ahead of the adults. Inside the trees, a wedding party set up a group of white folding chairs with the trail running down the center aisle just off the parking lot. 

It was an odd sight. We think the party would move the chairs deeper inside the trails where there is an old house that is often used for weddings. What made no sense is why they bothered neatly lining the chairs in the middle of the trail as if the marriage were taking place right there where hikers walked by.

We made jokes as we came upon the scene. "Someone getting married?  Give me 5 minutes with him. I'll change his mind," I said.  Then I added, "Never thought I'd be walking down the aisle again," as I walked through the neat row of chairs.

We did not stay on the trails long.  Tech was getting eaten alive by the mosquitos.  I received a few bites, but nothing compared to him.

After we took the kids to Spirit Halloween so T-Rex could look for a costume. We looked through the costumes. I told Tech, "I used to like seeing the girls wearing sexy costumes like these, but there is not a girl in this store I would want to see in any of them."

We ended the day at Olive Garden. We waited outside while a party of 10 kids in fancy attire waited in the vestibule.  They looked like middle school kids, but Tink assured me they were in high school and were going to homecoming. 

I was astounded by the calorie count on some of the meals.  "1850?  Add breadsticks and soup, and that is more than you should eat in a day!"

Tink scolded Tech and me for ruining Olive Garden with such talk. I enjoyed the food but didn't finish my meal. 

Graduate

Can I Graduate,
Can I look into the faces that I meet,
Can I get my punk-ass off the street,
I've been living on for so long,..Graduate, Third Eye Blind

Like so many roads in the area, the road the rehab is on is under construction. Traffic can only travels in one direction, which adds ten minutes to my trip. I rolled into the rehab parking lot at 7:45 a.m. I head inside and upstairs to the women's unit.  I ring the bell and wait for several minutes before staff opens the door, and Firefly appears.

She is wearing a mustard-yellow paisley halter top, black leggings, and a black leather jacket. Firefly has put on weight. She looks healthy, but I think she feels self-conscious about the added pounds.  She probably has not been this heavy before. Firefly seemed subdued. She has only been away from the rehab once in three months. which was to go to court.

The day started out dark and overcast.  Intermittent raindrops trickled down, threatening to unleash a complete downpour at any second.

After packing a considerable amount of belongings into the truck, I slide into the passenger seat. Firefly gets behind the wheel.  It takes her a few minutes to get comfortable with the controls because the Gladiator is not an easy vehicle to drive. The steering is sensitive, and the truck tends to wander. I direct her to the restaurant of her choice, an IHOP (International House of Pancakes), but it is not open.  It has fallen victim to the times. I find a different restaurant nearby.  This one is just a HOP. I get a scrabbled egg skillet, and Firefly gets her pancakes with Nutella and banana.

We discuss her stay and her plans over the meal.  She has some money on her bridge card (government assistance). The rehab makes them sign up for those when they enter.  The facility takes a portion of the resident's food allowance. I am not sure how long she will get to keep the assistance now that she lives with me. My income exceeds the limit. 

"You've had your fun," I tell her when we leave the restaurant, and I gently point her to the passenger side of the truck. I take over the driving and drop her off at her parent's house. She needs to sort through clothes and pick up her car. Both parents are outside when we arrive. Firefly jumps out and starts talking to her mother.  Firefly's father comes around to the passenger side and thanks me for all my help.

Advent

Sunday night, at 2:00 in the morning, I had a weak moment and bought the Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar off Amazon.  About ten minutes before 6:00 a.m., it was delivered to my front door.  That is creepy crazy.

Usually, I would order it off the official Lego site because I have a $10 coupon and the advent calendar is overpriced. Still, with the holiday season coming up, there will be some good bonus content coming from Lego, and I will be buying something else before the year is out.

 

Seattle Rains And Miscellaneous Updates

Michigan feels a lot like Seattle lately.  It rains constantly. While I don't mind drifting off to sleep to the occasional thunderstorm, or the gentle patter of droplets hitting the balcony, enough is enough.

I did think this wet weather would translate into heavy snowfalls in the winter. I think it has to do with the warmth of the lakes, but I'm no meteorologist.

We are supposed to have warm temperatures next week with several chances of more rain. Firefly gets out on Tuesday.

"You better be outside at 7:45 and in the passenger seat," she has told me. More than once. She wants to drive. She plans her first stop to be IHOP for some birthday cake hotcakes. 

I have been watching my diet closely in preparation for her release. I have a feeling the first few days she is out will entail a lot of food. I am currently a pound above my ideal weight (158 lbs). I use the two weight machines we have in the gym. I think I am looking pretty good.

They informed us that raises are coming out next week. I am getting a 5% raise. That is the highest amount they are handing to anyone. Although because they go by percentage to will not be the highest amount.  Still, I am happy with the amount. I am interested in what the bonus will look like at the end of the year.

Dinner And...

I texted Popstar last night and asked her out.  I didn’t get a response. That is probably NOT a good sign, but I throw it out there. Tinkerbell thinks I should not have asked her out over text. 

Tink: “You can’t ask a lady out through text, Bathwater. She’s not a callgirl.”

Isn’t that what these kids do now?  I don’t see Popstar very often during the day. When I do, it is usually in the company of other co-workers. I don’t think co-workers need to know our business. Besides, that is the way I would ask someone if I was using a dating app.

I am taking most of next week off to help Firefly get adjusted to the outside. She gets out Tuesday. She has been making plans and is excited to be getting out. I hope she does well. 

Future

 Saturday night, I took a break from painting to meet up with Tinkerbell and Tech in Ferndale. Tinkerbell was meeting up with a female friend. Tech and I were meeting up with Teach.

I meet up with Tinkerbell and Tech in front of Comos. A restaurant that shows up a few times in my book. It was where Billie and I ate dinner on our first date. Ferndale was having a pride celebration. Tinkerbell and her friend went off to join the crowd. Tech, Teach, and I headed further north to have dinner in Royal Oak.

We ate at a seafood restaurant. I don't care for seafood, but I had a pesto chicken sandwich that I enjoyed. After dinner, we discussed where to head next. Several of the area strip clubs were discussed and rejected. We all agreed clubs on the east side of town would be disappointing. We went to Flight Club on the west side of the city in Inkster. Teach ends up there most weekends anyway. He is a regular there.

The club seemed slow. There were a few more pretty girls there than last time. I still don't feel like spending the money or time becoming a regular at a club. At about ten, a pretty blond girl sat next to me at the upstairs bar. She wore a bright blue thong bikini and white thigh-high socks with matching blue stripes. Teach mentioned her earlier when we were at dinner. He told us how another regular he hangs with always buys her dinner. 

The stripper, I'll call Future, had her right arm in a black sling. She was in a car accident back in 2019. The arm had nerve damage. She could not move it or her hand. I pulled her sad story out of her while she ordered dinner. Sure enough, the regular paid for her meal, and she went to sit next to him when it came. A steak dinner. He cut the meat up for her.

Before she left, she told me about the crash and how the driver, her boyfriend at the time, did not receive any injuries. He slowly ghosted her after the accident. Future spent two months in the hospital. She is twenty-four. Both of her parents are dead. Her mom died when she was eighteen, and her dad when she was twenty. Future has a younger sister who is an addict who recently started Suboxone.

Future isn't allowed to dance on stage because her arm is in a sling. That is where most strippers get exposure. Future must approach customers. A talent that most of these strippers don't have these days. Future had a nice butt, and my damsel-in-distress instincts made me decide to go back for dances with her.

"I'm not looking for any extras," I tell her. "Let's just go back and have a good time."

When we got to the backroom. She took her arm from the sling. It dangled limply at her side. Future tended to hide it. I didn't have her dance for me. Instead, I had her sit on my lap facing me, and we talked some more while my hands drifted over her belly and ass. I told her I had two hundred dollars, and we could hang out for as long as she wanted, but I warned her she should not try taking me for more. 

She was pleased to have someone who wasn't demanding. We started swapping more stories. She told me anecdotes from her days at Penthouse. I mentioned Billie. My thoughts drifted back to Future long after our time in the back ended. It has to be very hard for her to get through the day with only one working arm. We exchanged numbers before I left. I could see myself getting sucked in by that girl. Luckily, I accidentally deleted her number when I went to save it.

Results

 The ceiling is fixed.  After a marathon session of cleaning yesterday, the room is back together.  The patched area looks good.  The paint matching-- did not go as smooth.

Sunday Afternoon

Saturday, I brought up two different cans of paint from the basement. I was sure one of these two was the same color as the walls in the living room. Neither was. So I went to Home Depot and brought back a bunch of paint swatches.  None of the names rang a bell.  I picked what I thought looked the closest and went back for a can.  I painted the two walls with the new paint.  They are slightly lighter than the other walls, but the room has several cuts and does not get much light, so I don't think anyone but me will notice.

I figured the walls I painted were covered by furniture, pictures, or the window. No one would notice. I did not want to paint the rest of the room at this time.  The rest of the room would mean doing a lot of trimming around doors, the fireplace and removing the TV from above the mantel. It is not a one-man over-the-weekend job.

I should paint the entire ceiling too. Right now, I just painted the corner.  It doesn't stick out, but you can tell.  

The good thing is that my mudding skills were up to the task.  You cannot see my seams on the ceiling.

A Trace Of Glitter

 I have been flirting with this woman at work. We work in the same build, but for different divisions of the same company.  She was hired during the pandemic. I was working from home that whole time, so I did not notice her until my return to the office in July. Our paths cross near the kitchen or in the warehouse.  Most days, I don't even see her.

She is cute, blond, thirty years old. I noticed her in my local Walmart a few weeks back, which means we live in the same area. That is unusual.  Most people I work with live on the other side of town. Since then, I have been stretching out our conversations. I am going to call her Popstar for now. I got her number the other day after discussing our thirty-minute drive into work under the pretext of, "We should exchange numbers encase we ever need a ride."

Friday, she stopped by my office to ask a question. She was looking for one of my colleagues, who had already gone to lunch. I think it was deliberate that she already knew the answer to her question, but I took the opportunity to start a conversation. 

"Nice office you have here," she tells me. "But you need to decorate it with some glitter."

"Are you kidding me? I want to get rid of the fake plant on the bookshelf." I like my office to be void of personal items. It makes it easier to do a quick exit if needed.

We begin to talk about plants. Popstar mentions she doesn't like flowers because they attract bugs. But when I questioned her, she did admit to putting flowers outside her house for a neighborhood contest. She said she came in second place because she added glitter.

Our conversation drifted on to other topics include restaurants in our area. We talked for several minutes. I know, I should have asked her out then, but I hesitated. She excused herself at the end be saying we would talk more later.

This morning I opened my Amazon Kindle to update my games and read the news. I was looking at book suggestions. My book appears in my reading list.  I started thinking about the cover. I like the cover image, but I keep thinking the title is too long (Lost and Found in Glitter), and the letters should be more prominent.

Then it dawned on me, Popstar read my book. I have a tendency to jump to conclusions, but my intuition is often correct. What is the first thing you do when you are interested in someone these days?  You search for them. You better believe I googled Popstar and found out her age and where she lived. If she googled me, one of the first images she would see is my book. There are two other people with my name in the area, but it isn't hard to figure out that I am the author.

Her references to glitter did seem out of place. Still, she went out of her way to talk to me and seemed to want to talk some more. What do you think? I am going to ask next time I see her. I have laid all the groundwork. Life isn't complicated enough with Firefly coming home in ten days. Why not add to it.