Doing A Job

I took a break from work around 9:00 am, took a shower, and crawled back into bed next to Ava. She was content to continue sleeping. Ava rested her head on my chest and dozed in and out of sleep. I rolled on top of her and kissed her lips, neck, and stomach. She didn't protest as I raised the turquoise shirt of mine she was wearing to expose her breast. 

I made my way back to her lips and neck. "You let me keep this up, and it will lead to other things," I whisper.

Ava encourages me to continue, and we have sex a third time. She lays beneath me with her arms stretched over her head and her eyes closed, quietly moaning with each thrust. "God, your beautiful," I say to her.

The woman is never a disappointment. Things are cut short when my phone chimes indicating my ten o'clock meeting is about to start. Naked, I head to my computer to log into the call, and Ava heads for the shower. 

*     *     *

Saturday, I am sitting between Tinkerbell and Tech. Tink has a wide grin on her face. It is the way she looks when she is drunk. We are discussing Ava, and I use an analogy to put things into perspective.

"You don't question your Polish maid who cleans your condo if she does her job, do you?" I ask.

"No," they admit. "She cannot even speak English."

"There you go," I conclude. "Ava is doing her job."

Times Like These

 Ava came over last night. She arrived late in the evening wearing jeans and a puffy vest. I have not seen her since our trip to Hocking Hills. She is as confused as ever. On the one hand, she tells me she has been looking at apartments, but they are all too expensive. On the other hand, she tells me her boyfriend is pushing her to get married. 

As of now, she is trying to hold him off with excuses, but at some point, as of now, I don't think she will refuse. She feels like she can continue getting together with me and still wants that. Her mother and boyfriend keep asking Ava when she will get a full-time job. They keep wondering how she can afford to spend money if she isn't working. Something tells me they are suspicious. I'm sure her mother knows. 

I am sure the boyfriend will keep blindly pushing his agenda because he thinks it works for him. It doesn't seem like an ideal relationship. They still argue constantly, but Ava blames that somewhat on herself. I know what is going on in Ava's mind. She thinks maybe her boyfriend is the best she can do and doesn't want to lose that opportunity, but financially he doesn't fit into her long-term goals, and she is not ready to settle down. She will straddle the fence as long as possible.

I think she would be happier pursuing what she wants, but Ava won't take that path unless she is forced. I don't see her getting caught, though. Which is hard for me to understand. I am on the outside and know what she does, but I cannot see how he hasn't figured it out. If it was me, I would have long ago. 

They say women have an easier time concealing affairs. The man in the matter is less likely to stir up trouble because he wants his continued access to sex. When a guy has an affair, the woman is more likely to want to be with that guy long-term and will make waves in his relationship. 

I see some validity in this. I will not be telling Ava's boyfriend what she has been doing. However, when I discuss the situation with Sam, she feels he should know. I think he should be able to figure it out himself. All he would have to do is drive over to her mom's house and find her car missing. Our trip to Hocking Hills should have clued him in. Ava said they didn't even discuss it when she returned. I do wish things would change. Ava and I could be having much more fun.

Ava took a shower. After, we ate pizza in bed while watching a show on Netflix. We had sex until after midnight, then curled up and fell asleep. Around 5:00 am, we started dry humping each other and had sex again. 

I left her sleeping in bed in the morning while I began working from home and writing this post. I will need to find a replacement at some point. The long winter months will have me itching for an extended vacation. Ava isn't able to do that at the moment. 

I, I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?
Ah-ah-ahh

It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again...Times Like These, Foo Fighters

Saturday, After The Show

 Saturday after the Brickworld show, I met up with Tinkerbell and Tech at a local bar a mile away from the convention center. They had been there for over an hour before I arrived and were already feeling good. I sat between Tink and Tech at the bar. We discussed the show, the people, and the other displays.

At one point, Tink turned the conversation to Ava. Tink is confident that Ava is 39, not 29, married, and has a child. I kept assuring her this was not the case. I did my research long ago, and none of those facts are true. Still, Tink feels Ava is hiding something from me. I'm sure she does, but I think I've got as much honesty as is possible from her. 

I think Tink feels unconsciously threatened whenever a woman is in my life. Tink has a few issues of her own and is another woman who just started therapy. I am happy with my arrangement with Ava. She goes out of her way to go on trips, which is not an easy task considering her situation. I wish she was available for longer vacations, but I think time will tell on that.

Here is one last picture from the show. 

Right now, I have too much I'd rather be doing. I am not concerned with Ava's availability. I must dismantle and separate 90% of the current project and start on my next one. They say that the Brickworld show in Chicago is 4X as large as the one in Detroit. I want to see it next year and perhaps display something new and better. I have an idea formulating in my head, but I need the bricks from this display in order to achieve it. 

Work has been busy, and for now, I think things are good as they are good. I am not going to count how many hours it will take to dismantle the display, but I hope to have it done by the end of the month.

Brickworld Detroit 2022

 Firstly, I had a great time at Brickworld Detroit. I traveled from work to unload half of my setup Thursday night. On Friday, I took the second load down and setup. The placement of all my trees and minifigures was all done in advance. My display is not as large as some, but it has a lot of detail packed into every plate.

I spent most of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the show. I met new people, joined a Lego club, and talked with a contestant from Season #2 of the TV series Lego Masters.

My display was pretty well received by the public. Some people would race through without stopping to appreciate the detail, while others would see all the little additions. Many people took pictures, and a couple said it was their favorite display in the show. That made me happy.

Other builders appreciated the detail in my creation and the unique theme and buildings. Several of them took pictures also. I might see my ideas incorporated into some of their designs next year. I was the only one to have round towers, and my castle was the only one that was destroyed. So it was unique in that respect.

There was a wide variety of displays. Mostly, people go large but lack detail or build small unique displays. Mine fell somewhere in between. I did not take many new pictures, but I did make a video that I uploaded to Youtube. Click on the word video. In the video, you can see Sam in a red shirt sitting by the table.

Sam came down both days. She helped me transport the display home Sunday night. Tinkerbell and Tech came to the show on Saturday. We got to go out to dinner both Friday and Saturday night.

The whole experience was fun, and it has inspired me to create more and exhibit something new in the Chicago Brickworld show next year. Something a bit taller but that is easily transported.

Here are a couple images of another guy's models. Each of his was unique and highly detailed.

Archieves

As promised, I quickly pulled a few posts from the archives. I still think I wrote better back then.

Ouch!
Originally Posted September 13, 2007

Last night I went to pick up the boys from their mom's house. Max was last to the car--as always. He walked over to the truck with the hood up, hiding his face. Here is the reason.

Apparently, he wiped out on his rollerblades. My first thoughts were, ouch, boys will be boys, and god, I hope that doesn't scar.

*     *     *

It did not scar. Can you believe the big blue eyes on that kid?

What Is Sexy

Originally Posted, September 24, 2007

Well, what is sexy to you then?" She asks. "Go! Write it for me!"

An easy question. I think she just wants to get off on my words.

Sexy is all in the mind. It's the look that says she knows what you are thinking and the smirk that says-- she likes it.

It's the lingering sigh after a kiss; the prolonged gaze that makes you shiver; the darting tongue that leaves you wanting more.

It's the scent inhaled from the nape of the neck; the touch that raises the hairs on your skin; the promise whispered in your ear.

It's arched backs, open lips, and doe eyes. It's the silhouette in the dark; the memory that never fades; the voice in your mind.

It's desire restrained; vulnerable innocence; freedom-- bordering on narcissism.

It's all in the mind.

*     *     *

This post was so long ago I cannot remember who asked me the question. I still had a romantic streak in me back then. 

Rewind to Present

Originally Posted, June 21, 2010

I'm dodging through evening traffic on my way to meet Milla. I have my phone in my lap. I am still thirty minutes away from the restaurant when I get a text message. I figure it is Milla texting, letting me know she will be late. It's Rose instead, the same Rose who stood me up for Stone Temple Pilots.

Rose: Hey, what's up?

I stare at the phone, wondering if this is some kind of test. Milla knows Rose. Is she having Rose text me to see if I will reply, and if so, what will I say? My state has banned texting and driving, a law I have failed to embrace yet. Ignoring Rose is also something I have failed to embrace.

Bathwater: Hey gorgeous, I've been meaning to come to see you.

Rose: I thought maybe we could hang out sometime before work.

Bathwater: Seriously? Why have you bumped your head or something?

Rose: lol, no!

I left the conversation hanging, afraid that my words were being reported back to Milla and that anything I said to Rose would be used against me. I was being paranoid, but you never know. Milla had quit working at the club two weeks prior. The girls don't talk outside the club.

After my meal with Milla ends abruptly shorter than anticipated, I'm left dodging traffic again. I text Rose.

Bathwater: I'll see you tomorrow night. We'll talk.

The next night I pull out the same shirt, freshly washed and pressed. I wasn't going to let a new shirt go to waste after all. I got to the club late. It was a cool evening for summer. I was moving slowly, and I almost backed out. I sat in a far booth, and immediately Lydia, one of the shot girls, came over to sit with me. I like Lydia. She isn't pushy. She is a cute petite blond, too young to drink but pushing the shots two nights a week and drinking anyway.

Rose sits with us, and the three of us do a few shots. We start discussing my new shirt. Lydia is a fan of Buckle, also. She loves the Buckle style on a guy, she says; I begin to think I'm hitting on the wrong girl I've got Lydia all sewn up...but I like Rose.

An obnoxious group of young want-a-be-players takes the corner booth next to mine. They buy a bottle of booze, try to smoke despite the ban on smoking in public places in our state, and stop every girl that walks by without actually spending any money. They are almost enough to spoil the evening by hanging out of their booth and blocking traffic. After a couple hours, though, they figure out they aren't going to get any free entertainment.

The "players" file out. We break from our conversation to watch them depart. One guy looks over at me, and we lock eyes for a moment. The back corner where we are is cold; I have my left arm wrapped around Rose and my right wrapped around Lydia. The same two girls have been at my table most of the evening. They are snuggled in close. He gives me a puzzled glance, "because you're an asshole." I say to myself and turn back to our conversation.

I take Rose upstairs to dance for me, and we talk. We make plans to go out on her day off, which is Friday. I agree and tell her she won't regret it. I feel her cancellations have more to do with fear and circumstance than her hustling me.

*     *     *

I don't think this one made it into the book. It did not propel the narrative, and I needed to make some cuts.

Aches and Pains, They Come With Age

Sam, Alexis, and I went to the Birmingham art fair on Sunday. Alexis complained the whole time. It was too hot for her. The beer at the restaurant was not cold enough. I didn't mind getting out, but I would have been just as happy staying home on my birthday.

I received birthday well wishes from my kids, including my unofficial fourth child, Tinkerbell, her boyfriend, my close friends, and both new mothers. Ava was the only one who didn't reach out, which is unsurprising. There is no getting close to that girl.

I haven't spoken to Ava since we got back from Ohio. I don't think she is going away any time soon, but I am letting her do her own thing. She is not much for small talk or sharing when we are apart. I am supposed to see her next week. I will try getting her to commit to one more short trip before the end of the year. Ava doesn't mind traveling with me or the drama it creates in her own life.

Tuesday, I managed to injure my back without doing anything. It just started bothering me at work and was unbearable last night. Sadly, I don't have any exciting tales to go along with the pain. Thankfully, Alexis hooked me up with some muscle relaxers so I can start loading the truck tonight.

I am falling apart. I made an appointment to have my left shoulder looked at today. From everything I have been told, it sounds like I will have to have surgery on it to have the front tendon re-attached. I will probably have that done closer to winter. 

Things are getting boring on the blog. I think I will dig up some archives posts before I get too busy this weekend.

Fifty-Eight

And don't believe a word they're telling to you
Don't believe a word they're telling to you
They let me down
When will I find where I fit in?
I hate this town...

Today is Sunday, September 18th, and I turned fifty-eight today. I know, it's hard for me to believe too. I am trying to make the best of my good years. Though I have to admit that I am slowing down.

I put the Lego display together on my work table one last time before starting the process of boxing everything up for transport. My cat, Sienna, is upset because I won't let her in the spare room where everything is in boxes, but I don't want to have to put anything back together if she starts jumping on things. I figure I will have enough to rebuild from the 40-minute drive to Novi.

I am working out the logistics. My truck is not big enough to take everything on one trip. I've decided to pack up what I can take Thursday night after work and then make a second trip Friday with the twins to complete the set-up. Sam has volunteered to help me dismantle and take things home Sunday night. I am excited. Hopefully, I will make a few like-minded connections at the show.

I texted Billie Friday for her birthday. Her baby was born two days after Firefly's baby. Both had girls. Billies was premature, and she delivered via a C-section. The baby weighed 5 lbs, 6ounces. She said everything was going well.

But now I never know the things to say to you
That help me prove that I'm still on your side
I never show just what you do to me...All Signs Point to Lauderdale, A Day To Remember

Otherwise, it is a quiet rainy day that promises to turn hot and muggy later. I would be fine spending the day at home, but Sam wants to attend an art show in Birmingham this afternoon. 

Hocking Hills- Day Two and Three

On our second day, we went back to the park for more hiking. Pictures do not do the rock formations and waterfalls justice. Everything was lush with moss and greenery. We tend to explore all areas and the more difficult paths. Ava takes pictures of everything. 

We picked up carryout from a local restaurant, spent more time in the hot tube, and the night testing the limits of the bed. The parks were not crowded, but we could not book horseback riding or kayaking last minute. We made the most of it, and both had a good time.

There was only one sour note. Late the second night, after having sex, Ava was texting her boyfriend. He was not satisfied with her vague answers and ended up calling her. She had the conversation on speaker it lasted for over an hour. It was painful to listen in on. Without screaming, dude, you are fucking stupid. His weak, whiny voice was just as I pictured. Ava was being evasive and gaslighting him. All the while, he is trying to pin down when she is coming home, professing his love for her no matter what and saying he was in it forever.

Dude, your "girlfriend" just got done banging another guy for an hour, I'm pretty sure that would change your outlook.

Ava downplays the significance. It's not as if she is planning on living him for me. "No, but you are emasculating him."

He figured out what she was doing when they were casually dating. The reason she was able to go on all the trips was that she was a paid companion. Still, he begged her to be his girlfriend even though she pleaded with him to allow her to keep working, and her actions haven't changed! She is still being evasive and still going on mysterious trips. She told him after the conference that she was going to Hocking Hills alone and renting a cabin for a few days. Are you fucking kidding me!

"The problem is, you don't respect him," I tell her once she is finally off the phone.

Instead of arguing with me, she agrees. "You are right. How can I? He is overweight, refuses to exercise, and triggers all my issues with my father."

The boyfriend spends hundreds on expensive gifts to buy her affection and then complains that he doesn't have enough money. Which is just another thing she finds unattractive. He never asks how she can afford to buy a new refrigerator for his house because she doesn't like the old one or afford to stay in a cabin for three days alone.

She feels he is her best option. I would stipulate he is her best option-- for now.

We made it home early in the evening Wednesday. Ava said she would stay the night. We picked up dinner and started watching a documentary about Marilyn Monroe on Netflix. I think the movie hit Ava a little too close to home. I think it was when Marilyn found notes written by Arthur Mill, her second husband, shortly after they married saying she is not the woman I thought she was and calling her a whore that sunk our evening.

I paused the movie, "Why don't you take a shower," I said. "I have to jump on a short meeting call."

Instead, Ava decided just to go. The change in her mood was palatable. I feel like she was a lot happier before she decided to move in with this guy. Lately, she seems more depressed. She is definitely not happy, but I think that is something she has been dealing with for a long time. 

My advice is always to be who she is and to stop compromising. She likes to say life isn't fair and that this is just how things have to be. I think we still choose.

Hocking Hills- Day One

 Last Friday, I received a couple disjointed text messages from Ava. She wanted to leave a day earlier for our Hocking Hills, Ohio trip. By the time I figured out what she was trying to say, she decided just to keep things as planned.

Sam and I went out to dinner Saturday. "Ava seemed a bit passive-aggressive in her text, but it is too much work to figure out what's up with her," I said. "I learn more by being with her face-to-face for five minutes, so I am just waiting for tomorrow."

Ava showed up on Sunday, ready and eager to leave. Her issues stemmed from a panic attack she had on Friday at her conference and had nothing to do with our trip.

We left Detroit and headed off to Ohio. I planned the route so we could stop off in Worthington, a suburb outside of Columbus. We shopped for supplies at Whole Foods and ate lunch at a great place in an outdoor mall. The weather Sunday was overcast and cool, but we did not run into any rain.

The outdoor mall was a great destination to kill time. We did window shopping, and I picked up some Legos at the Lego store before continuing down to Hocking Hills.

Ohio is misleading. You think of it as a flat state, but the southern portion has hills and rocks. Luckily, I rented a small secluded cabin within a mile of most attractions. Each morning we would see deer outside around the cabin and fearlessly close to the roads.

Our Cabin

On the first day, we hiked nine miles through the trees to a waterfall and back. Ava was in heaven. She loves the outdoors. Ava is the perfect travel companion for me. She never complains, offers suggestions, and goes with the flow. We ate dinner in the cabin. I jokingly suggested that we could skinny dip in the hot tube on the back deck. That night I got the hot tube going, and Ava came out naked, to my surprise, and joined me.

Story Time?

This is where my mind wandered on my walk today.

The seed ship hovers briefly in the lower atmosphere of the small blue-green planet before reuniting with the collective, deep in outer space. A slight bipedal being disengages from the ship to give its report. The being is symmetrical with equal limbs and eyes. Its asexual body is covered in grey skin. Its black eyes observe its surroundings. Ki heads for the main deck to give a report.

"What have you discovered?" Asks an identical being when Ki arrives.

"The planet is teaming with life, One-Above," Ki states. "We have examined the life forms. Several species show promise."

"Are any self-aware?" One-Above asks.

"No, but a mammal on the planet seems well equipped to adapt."

"What is your suggestion?"

Ki pauses in thought before replying. "With the right modifications, I believe they could thrive and multiply to the stars."

One-Above's eyes close while communing with the collective. At length, One-Above relays the collective's decision. "We have decided. You will be given a team to make modifications to this mammal."

Time passes. and a different seed ship hovers over the blue-green planet. The surface of the planet has changed. The dark side is aglow with created light. A different yet identical grey being gives a report. 

"The mammal has evolved in an undesirable direction, One-Above. They are too advanced for any further modifications to be made without them becoming aware."

"What do you suggest?" Ask One-Above.

"Simulations show a high probability they will become extinct, but the species is viable. We could seed another planet and try again."

The One-Above communes with the collective. "Very well, harvest enough specimens for two planets. We will try again."

"And what of this planet?" the being asks.

"Let them go extinct. Our experiment here is completed," One-Above concludes.

But the species on the blue-green planet did not go extinct. Forgotten and against the odds, they survived and made it to the stars, unaware of the beings who shaped them, unaware that there were others like them in the cosmos. Until they met.

*     *     *

Our species is the only one on this planet that is self-aware. Some suggest it is God's will. Some would suggest it was evolution. Why humans? Have we eliminated the opportunity for other species to become self-aware?  What would it be like if the ape and the dolphin became aware at the same moment in time? Would we have destroyed them like we have done to so many of our own?

Preparations And Such

My most popular post over the last year is Not Far, I recently linked this post in another, but it was still high ranking before that. Usually, I can understand why a post has a higher rank. Catchy titles like Birthday or Omnicrom get picked up on Google searches. Not Far does not seem to fit, but it is a good post and an honest moment.

I seemed to have caught a sinus infection over the weekend. It is mild and will probably only last a few days. It could be Covid, but I am not taking another of my home test. I am unsure whether I do the home test incorrectly, but they never come out positive, so I am not bothering this time. It won't make any difference. I work from home today, and most of the symptoms will be gone by tomorrow.

They indicate a chance of rain for all three days of the trip Ava and I are taking next week (Sunday- Tuesday). I don't trust the weather, but it could make for a challenge. We tend to like spending our time outdoors.

I have reached out to the organizers of the Brickword Detroit show but haven't heard back from them yet concerning the specifics of setup times. This is my first time displaying at an event, so I am unsure what to expect. The show doesn't start till 10:00 am. I think they will have us set up the morning before the show and want us to take everything down right after the show is over Sunday night. I can manage that, but I hope it doesn't rain that weekend.

Sam has indicated her desire to help with transporting everything, and I think Max will help too. The twins want to go to the show, but they will not be able to stay a whole day without becoming hungry and bored. I plan to bring them out on the second day in the afternoon. They can help me remove the display when the event is over. 

I am acquiring cardboard boxes in addition to the plastic tubs I already have to transport my display. The show is being heavily promoted online. I am excited to see what others will be showing, and I already have several ideas for what I will display next year.  I'll take a bunch of images. Who knows, you might see parts of my display posted by other content creators on the web.

Weekend

 The holiday weekend is over. Saturday, Sam and I went to Royal Oak for the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival. This year they seemed to be light on the art and the beats. We waited until early evening to go. Temperatures were in the 90s. I wanted to see Chevelle, and they were not scheduled to play until 7:30. After making a quick inspection of the art booths, we killed time in a local restaurant and waited for the band. 

Chevelle hit the stage around 8:00. We made our way close to the main stage area. We stayed for a few songs before I told Sam I was ready to go if she was. The sound was terrible and partially drowned out by a DJ in a nearby booth for the House of Dank playing techno music and a group of chatty women who decided to take up position behind me.

I haven't felt motivated to get out the door lately. The following two days were cool and overcast. The perfect excuse to stay indoors. I added a few pieces to my display without making any significant changes. At this point, I will concentrate on transporting it to the show with minimal damage.

I am not sure what has gotten me feeling down. September is shaping up to be a good month full of actual and potential activities. I am having trouble finding joy in them. I cannot explain why. 

Hypocrisy

Counting all the assholes in the room
Well, I'm definitely not alone well, I'm not alone
You're a liar, you're a cheater, you're a fool
Well, that's just like me, ooh-ooh, and I know you too
Mr. Perfect don't exist, my little friend
And I tell you that again, and I do it again...Still Counting, Volbeat

I went to Alexis' house Wednesday night to get my hair cut. Alexis has a salon set up in her basement and has been only cutting hair at home since the pandemic. We discussed Ava and the latest news when Alexis commented, "I wouldn't want to pay someone just to be around me. I would just go bang, Harry."

Harry is a married guy she hooks up with. "Guys pay in one way or another," I tell her.

I didn't bother reminding her that Harry is married and only hangs around her because Alexis will have sex with him. Nor did I bring up the fact Alexis recently married a man she doesn't love in hopes that when he dies, she will get his life insurance, pension, and health insurance. They don't live together. Supposedly they don't have sex, although I wonder.

Alexis is in her early fifties. She has an underachieving son who plays video games all day and will probably never launch. Alexis is overweight, an alcoholic, and has a gambling addiction. If she were a guy, she wouldn't be able to pay someone to have sex with her, but that is not how it works for women. 

I think I have solved my problem efficiently. Sure I could start dating someone like Alexis. Even in Detroit's depressing dating market, I swipe left on women like her all the time.