The Difference

 I picked Gia up from the airport Friday around 6:30 p.m. To say she traveled light would be an understatement. She didn't bring anything with her. She warned me she didn't have a Winter jacket. The weekend before, I had picked one up for her at Khols for $40. I also picked up some tops and pajama pants for her at BJ's while grocery shopping. I figured anything she didn't wear I would just take back. 

We had a great weekend together. Gia is the perfect house guest. She even gets along with the cat. After the airport, we ate at Ford's Garage and then went to Rochester to see the lights and get dessert Friday night. It was cold Friday night so we didn't do much walking.

Saturday we went back out to Dearborn and went to the Henry Ford Museum, had lunch, and then spent the rest of the day looking at the lights in Hine Park and Gross Point. Gia is content as long as we are doing something. Gia never complains and we never argue. I don't have to go out of my way to please her and she is always appreciative. I like that about her.

Sunday the weather was much warmer. We went to a fleamarket inside the Masonic Temple downtown and then we went to the Greektown Casino. Gia was a bit negative about the slot machine we were playing. "Give it a chance," I told her. At first, we were down about $45. The casino was a spare-of-the-moment choice, so I didn't bring any gambling money. I went to the ATM and got out $200. I end up putting $100 into the same machine. We played for another twenty minutes. At one point we were up to $250.

I whispered into Gia's ear, "What do you want to do? This is yours." 

She decided she would keep playing until the total was down to $200. We cashed out when the total was $200.15 and I told her to keep it. I don't go to the casino expecting to win anyway. We had lunch in Corktown and wasted a few more hours in the suburbs before heading to the airport.

We discuss how we communicate when we are apart. "I don't want to bother you," she tells me.

"I feel the same. Why don't we both agree that we aren't and stop thinking about it."

It was a good weekend. Our time together always brings us closer together. We understand each other. Which is to say we are fine with each other's quirks. Gia let me prattle on about useless knowledge. She plays along when I get her to sign Barenaked Ladies in the car. I can tell when she lets herself cut loose and I can tell when she is getting stressed (like when we were getting close to the airport). I don't mind that she only cuddles in the mornings, never at night.

We were talking on the couch Saturday night. Gia doesn't like her apartment in Tampa. She is having problems with the maintenance company. Her air conditioning went out in the summer and now her heat went out just before she left. "It seems like whenever things start looking up, they go to shit."

"Look how far you've come. A year ago you had nothing and were sleeping on the floor in your sister's apartment," I reminded her. "Now, you have a roof over your head, a car, and a steady income. you have people you can count on back in Rhode Island and me here in Michigan. It all depends on what you focus on. Just keep taking baby steps in the right direction and stay focused on your main goal."

I don't have any expectations when it comes to Gia. I am sure we will have a few more adventures in the future. "You are always welcome to stay here," I told her. "Whether you want to come up for a few days to work, or if you just need to get away." I think, in the future, she will.

Argumentative

On Thanksgiving, I made a turkey burger on whole-grain bread and a broccoli and macaroni casserole. I set the computer up on the coffee table and had a Zoom dinner with Gia. Gia ate eggs with ketchup. she didn't want to fight the crowds and go shopping.  It was fun. 

Gia and I have come a long way since we first met. The woman who wouldn't get in the same car as me the fourth time we went out is now coming up to stay with me next weekend, which was her idea. She has even started mentioning going to Utah with me next year. It all depends on how her dog does with the dogsitter this weekend. I've learned with Gia, that everything works out once she thinks it is her idea.

On Monday, I met Sam for dinner at Green Lantern. I had been avoiding going out with Sam, and I was feeling bad. Sam arrived first. Kay, my favorite waitress was our waitress. Sam seemed like she was trying to be cordial. Like the conversation was forced. We discussed Gia's upcoming visit. I told Sam after I picked up Gia from the airport I was thinking of taking her to Greektown Casino downtown.

Sam thought that was a bad idea. She said that the area was not safe. It has been about six years since I visited the Greektown Casino. I only go downtown occasionally. So I concede to her advice. However, Sam was in a mood. Despite saying, "I don't want to argue." She indeed wanted to argue. She was making a few snippy comments about Gia, which I let pass, but she got mad and said I have been argumentative lately. I wanted to say the same thing about her, but I didn't. It would have just escalated her displeasure.

When someone says, I don't want to argue then proceeds to argue, I am not sure I am the issue. This isn't the first time it has happened recently. Thus, the reason I have been avoiding her. At the end of the meal, Sam had the check. I handed her my portion and she figured out the rest. Sam is always flush with cash of various denominations and she is a bigger tipper than I.  When Kay came to pick up the bill I said we were all set. Sam must not have heard me. I actually think her hearing is going. 

When I asked Sam if she was ready to go, she said she was waiting for change. "I didn't realize you needed change. I told Kay we were all set."  That was the nail in the coffin. I offered to call Kay back. I offered Sam some money to make up what she wanted back, but Sam was over it. She ended up walking out with me trailing behind.

Coping

 I went out with Ava several times but never picked up where we left off. Despite what Ava says, I don't think she has broken up with her boyfriend. She has it in her mind, but he doesn't think so. This is all from my casual observations. At one point, Ava suggested she would need more to come over but could only stay for an hour. I told her that wouldn't work for me. Something tells me I haven't seen the last of her though.

What have I been doing?  Like half the men in their 20s, I have been glued to my tablet playing an online game. The game is called LastWar and it is raking in billions. You can download it from your phone, but I don't suggest it :). I spend nights on Discord chatting with members of my alliance and trying to grow my squads.

I have been secluding myself away from others by choice. I went out last month with Jay, Sam, and Alexis to celebrate our collective birthdays, but for the most part, I haven't even been spending time with them. It just doesn't bring me joy. The only ones I see regularly are Max and the twins.

Gia and I text regularly. She is happy in Tampa again, and far enough away from the coast to have weathered both Hurricanes unscathed. About once a month we get on Zoom so I can see her gorgeous smile. We are planning a Zoom call on Thanksgiving.

I received a drunk call from Tinkerbell late Friday night. She was walking home from the bar. I think her boyfriend Tech doesn't approve of our relationship. I don't blame him. While I consider it more of a father/daughter type bond at this point, I can see how it can be intimidating. Tink wanted me to know that T-Rex is doing good. He is away, at Central Michigan University now. 

I think Tinkerbell is sacrificing her happiness for the T-Rex's future. "Don't ever think, I don't love," Tinkerbell stated more than once. "You are my Luke." This is a reference to a character on the show Gilmore Girls. "Lorelai ended up marrying Luke." I assured her that wouldn't happen with us.

Tink's unhappiness was palatable. More from what she wouldn't talk about than what she did. I do miss her. I miss the days when we would talk for hours on the phone. This conversation just leaves me perplexed.

Are we all just trapped in unhappy lives? Some of us just coping better than others.

Six Decades

 My birthday was last Wednesday. I started defining my age as six decades old. It sounds cleaner than the years. I took three days off for my birthday. On the first day, I cleaned out many scrap auto parts and took them to the scrap yard. On the second day, I rode my bike on the Orchard Trail. 

The twins moved into a new condo on my birthday. Coincidence? Maybe, but given that TheEx filed for divorce on my birthday, I doubt it. Their condo is lovely—nicer than mine. Hopefully, they will take care of it. It is one of those condo complexes entirely of ranch units that old people like. The units are spaced nicely, and the complex is suitable for walking. I have been encouraging them to do that.

On Saturday, Ava and I went to an art fair in Ferndale. I really like this art fair. It attracts artists I can relate to. I bought two prints from Cheryl Baker. Her stuff is terrific. 

This One 

This One

I was unsure where to put them, but I couldn't resist. I wanted the whole series.

Ava enjoyed the show. Like me, she is an amateur artist. We still haven't picked up where we left off. Ava is putting it off. However, we are hanging out, and she wants to continue. I ended up going back to the art show with Sam on Sunday. I didn't want to tell her Ava, and I went Saturday. Sam likes to look at the jewelry. Ava was more enjoyable. She enjoys the artwork, and everything is new for her. 

Flappers and Ava Returns

Sam and I went to a wedding on Saturday. The bride is a mutual friend. The bride and groom are both in their fifties. The groom is about a 4 in looks. The bride is a 6 or 7, but the groom is loaded. They rented out the Emerald Theatre in Mt. Clemens for the wedding. It was a 1920s-inspired wedding, and the Emerald is a restored theatre that opened in 1921. The whole affair must have cost big bucks.

I took some pictures, but my phone broke, and I lost them all that night. Which brings me to Sunday. The screen on my Galaxy Flip broke, locking me out of the phone. I lost all my apps, some of my contacts, and all the pictures I took that day. I spent Sunday getting a new phone and reloading the apps.

I loaded Snapchat back. I wasn't going to. I never used the app, but I did, and I ran through the selections quickly. About an hour later, I received a snap from Ava. I haven't seen or heard from Ava since her boyfriend caught her, and she ghosted me back last February. We met up in Rochester that evening for a walk and dinner.

Ava is the same. She is still a covert narcissist who can't hold down a job or a relationship, but she is fun and wants to pick up where we left off, including trips. I am differently interested. Ava was good in bed and had fun on the road. 

Snapshot of August

In homage to Sarah H. at Death Wears Diamond Jewelry, who is no longer blogging but is missed.

Listening…Podcasts, my latest is Something You Should Know.

Reading…No new books

Watching…I have been watching the SyFy channel series Battlestar Galactica since 2004. I have given up on new shows.

Playing … I have been playing Last War on my phone. It is very intense. You must join an alliance, get on Discord, and spend money.

Building... I built an 18-wheel Lego delivery truck from a kit. It is a nice build.

Buying… I bought an Android tablet... to play Last War.

Loving... Too few things these days.

Planning… I would like to go to the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Sam didn't want to go last weekend.

Missing… Someone to do things with.

Three Updates

 Tuesday night, Tinkerbell sent me some images of T-Rex moving into his college dorm at CMU. How time flies. I still remember T-Rex as the child from my book. I didn't respond to Tinkerbell. As much as I love her, she seems to only reach out when she needs. She will ignore me otherwise. That is not the type of relationship I deserve from her. 

I saw the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist yesterday. Medicine is such a joke. Fifty percent of the time, they are just guessing. I have gone from a person who avoids medications to walking around with five. Two are in case I have an episode of vertigo (they don't stop it), one antibiotic ( for twenty-one days), a steroid (for six days), and a diuretic (duration tbd).

None of the pills cure my issue. They are not sure if they will even help my situation. These are the least evasive solutions. Here is a nifty video on the disease. I need to search for my own solutions, too.

Firefly update. Firefly is now the mother of a second baby girl. It's so amazing how some people change. I haven't contacted her lately, but I am glad she is married and has two kids. Hopefully, the future will continue to be bright.

Half Post

I sometimes wonder if my lack of posts is related to my need to explore my thoughts and feelings more deeply. It could be because Grammarly edits everything I write and makes it better than the original. I saw Brit two weeks in a row, but I've ghosted her this week. I am just not feeling it with her. It's strange, too, because she is one of the hottest girls I have had an arrangement with, and she wants to continue. I just don't feel any connection with her. I felt more connected to Ava, and she ghosted me without reason. I don't know what that means.

I am still isolating myself. I have to make an effort to reach out and connect, but the isolation seems like a natural progression of who I have always been. I am getting together for dinner with Jay and his wife this Friday, but last weekend, when Sam didn't call to suggest doing something, I felt a bit relieved.

I am not using this alone time to build anything, though. I have been focused on a game on my phone, getting my steps, and eating. Like the Sixth Sense, we only see what we want to see.

Inner Ear Problems Return

"Someone help me." It was the phrase repeated over and over throughout the day by the elderly woman with dementia in the room down the hall from me while I was in the hospital Monday/Tuesday. Why was I in the hospital? Good question.

Monday afternoon, while at work, I started feeling dizzy and nauseous. It felt like being drunk and having the spins. This is the third episode I have had over the last three months. I thought the first two were from food poisoning, but there was no way this third episode was related to food.

Within an hour, I go from perfectly fine to having vertigo and puking uncontrollably. I am unable to function. The episodes last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.

One of my coworkers took me to the ER. The Emergency Room was busy, but they jumped me to the front of the line because they were afraid I was having a stroke. That wasn't the case. It seems my Meniere's Disease is getting worse. Although they haven't said that yet. I still need to go in for an MRI and see the specialist.

In the meantime, they gave me pills to take if I start getting dizzy and pills to take if I start getting nauseous. Which is very different from giving you a pill to keep you from getting dizzy or nauseous. I am going through the motions of taking the test and seeing the doctors, but I doubt they will have a definitive solution. They didn't before.

Snapshot of July

 In homage to Sarah H. at Death Wears Diamond Jewelry, who is no longer blogging but is missed.

Listening…Podcasts, my latest is Something You Should Know.

Reading…No new books

Watching…I moved on to Veronica Mars from my DVD collection. It is one of the best TV shows of the early 2000s.

Playing … I have been playing Wordscapes on my phone (still).

Building... I haven't built anything substantial lately. 

Buying… I upgraded my home office because I got an updated work computer. Now I have dual monitors and an external speaker.

Loving... Too few things these days.

Planning… I am considering seeing the new Deadpool movie in the theatre.

Missing… A connection with someone.

Update

A long time ago, we used to be friends
But I haven't thought of you lately at all
If ever again a greeting I send to you
Short and sweet to the soul, I intend... We Used To Be Friends, The Dandy Warhols

I debated whether to contact Tinkerbell and see how she is doing. I don't reach out to many people very often. Besides my twins, Gia is the only person I text frequently, but I think even that will wane. I am not sure Gia will return to Michigan.

I sent a text and asked Tinkerbell how things were going. She didn't reply, so I don't think I will bother picking up the phone next time she calls. I deserve the same level of respect, and she fails to give it.

Brit came over Wednesday night, but she is hard to talk with and seems to struggle with depression. I wouldn't enjoy spending a weekend getaway with her, but she is hot and does the job, So I don't mind seeing her occasionally.

I have not noticed anyone else interesting. I have been concentrating on walking. I have hit my goal of 6700 steps daily for over two weeks and have averaged over 10,000 steps for the past eight days. I am picking up other exercises, too. It is not doing what I want; I am not losing weight, but it is supposed to be good for me.

Rain

We are getting rain from the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Unlike the brief violent downpours we received last month, it has been steadily raining today. I wrote back to Ray and asked if she would like to go out. I am not interested in joining her church, but I would like to get to know her better. We will see what happens. (Follow up: Ray is married but doesn't wear a ring).

I am so glad Jon Stewart is back on The Daily Show. He is a voice of comedic reason. I don't understand why Joe Biden does not step aside. It is sad, but there comes a day when you have to take the car keys away from an aging parent, no matter how hard they whine. I am not that political; however, I have not been happy with my choices for president for the last 12 years.

Show And Tell

 I displayed five Lego models at a small event on Sunday. The event was held at a church hall on the other side of town, about an hour away. A woman asked me to attend the event while I displayed at Brickfest. She was cute and close to my age, so I agreed. We exchanged a few emails between that first brief meeting and Sunday night. I will call her Ray for the sake of the narrative.

Ray is friendly and personable. I feel a sense of attraction when I am around her, which makes me feel awkward. Ray even insisted on hugging me when we said goodbye after the show.

This is her last email to me.

Bathwater

I'm grateful for you. You made the event more interesting, and it was nice to see you. I remember when I asked you if you were interested in sharing anything spiritual, you said no, but please know that you are welcome to our church anytime -- it might be the start of growing deeper in your faith. I'm glad you sensed the kindness of the church folks. I started going there 3 years ago and it has been good for me.

Here's a link to service online (removed)

If you'd like to check out a service in person, we start at 10 on Sunday.

Thanks for the links to Bible Bricks. That's exactly what I saw. I couldn't remember where I saw it, maybe just searching in preparation for this week. Maybe we can use those videos next year.

I hope our paths cross again someday.😊

Ray

I like her. She seems like a very nice and outgoing person. Maybe that is just who she is with everyone. I have her phone number and email. I am unsure if I am just reading more into her actions, but I am considering asking her out. The problem is I am not religious. I was raised Catholic, but now I am agnostic at best. I feel that the Catholic religious teachings are good for people and society. I am just not sure there is a God behind it all. 

What do you think? Am I seeing more than just someone being friendly?  Should I ask her out?

2:30 a.m. Phone Call

Thursday, July 4th

The holiday has yet to begin, and I get a phone call at 2:30 a.m. Only one person calls me at 2:30 a.m.: Tinkerbell, my pseudo-adopted daughter. Tinkerbell and I have not spoken or texted in over six months. She pulled away without an explanation. She still knows there is one person she can always call.

Tinkerbell was drunk and on her porch after an argument with her boyfriend, Tech. It sounds like their relationship is imploding. Tinkerbell mentioned they hadn't had sex since January. Their sexual relationship has always been an issue for Tinkerbell. 

I listened. I told her she would get through this. Tinkerbell reminded me I said last time. I didn't ask her why she had ignored me for six months or more. I assumed it had something to do with her relationship. I will ask her that another day if she decides to stick around. She said thanks for picking up several times during the call because she knew she had no right to expect it.

I often told Sam that Tinkerbell and Tech's relationship would end when T Rex (Tinkerbell's son) graduates high school. T Rex graduated this year and will attend CMU in the fall. Despite how obvious this seemed, Tinkerbell made no plans for this eventuality. I am sure Tinkerbell will figure it out—she always does. My only advice was not to rush things and leave his house without having a plan.

We talked for an hour. On Friday, I texted Tinkerbell and told her I was available on Saturday if she needed to leave the house. She replied that she would be fine. 

Weather And

 The weather was peculiar this weekend. Saturday morning, it rained, and it has been raining often. As Saturday progressed, it turned hot and muggy. I did my shopping early and stayed inside with the air conditioning. Sunday was the complete opposite. Sunday was overcast and unseasonably cool. I kept the windows shut Sunday because it was in the mid-to-low-sixties.

Sam and I went to an art fair along the river in St. Clair on Sunday despite the weather. Fifty to sixty vendors had tents set up in the park along the boardwalk.  Sam and I like this art show. It is in a nice location, with live music and several outdoor restaurants. 

Neither of us bought anything. I often like looking at the artist's goods and thinking I could do the same thing. It is one of the many alternative career paths I could have if I set my mind to it. 

It took a few art fair photos and sent them to Gia this morning. She would have liked it. Gia and I continue to send texts to each other almost every day. Sometimes, it is just a simple good morning. Other times, we will exchange pictures, articles, or GIFs.  Outside of my twins, Gia is the person I consistently communicate with most. It is nice, and yet I find it odd. I don't know when or if I will ever see her again. 

I like Gia; I just don't know what to do with her. Sometimes, I feel she thinks the same way. I will try again to get her to go to Utah with me. She will probably decline, yet it doesn't hurt to ask. My latest pitch is having her meet me in Salt Lake City. She can fly there, and I will drive the Gladiator. From there, we can spend the week in Utah. She would abhor spending so much time with someone, but I understand her need for space. Personally, I think it would be an amazing time.

Snapshot of June

I noticed I missed doing a Snapshot of May. I have to try harder to keep up on this blog.

In homage to Sarah H. at Death Wears Diamond Jewelry, who is no longer blogging but is missed.

Listening…Podcasts like The Rewatcher: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. These are the same women who do Morbid. It is funny to listen to them dissect the episodes.

Reading…No new books

Watching…I watched the last three seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD. Now I am working on Angel.

Playing … I have been playing Wordscapes on my phone (still).

Building... I haven't built anything substantial lately. I did get my models ready for a small show next month.

Buying… I haven't bought much interesting stuff lately. 

Loving... Too few things these days.

Planning… My vacation day for the rest of the year. I have more days of vacation than I have plans.

Missing… A connection with someone.

Bay-O-Rama

After a week of work, I swung by Gia's Airbnb in Ferndale on Friday evening. She greeted me in peach-colored exercise shorts, a grey spaghetti-strap tank top, and a stylish black and grey cap. We headed back to my condo so I could change while Gia relaxed on the couch, engrossed in her phone.

Once ready, we hopped into my Gladiator and set off for New Baltimore. I had promised to take her to Bay-O-Rama, the local festival. The sun was blazing as we arrived, the air thick with humidity, though the forecast hinted at an impending downpour.

Downtown New Baltimore hosted Bay-O-Rama, a modest affair with carnival rides, games, a beer tent, and various booths. Gia was up for anything; her adventurous spirit was evident as we explored the carnival attractions. We even tried our hand at a balloon-popping game and scored a small stuffed lion as a prize. Gia couldn't resist getting a caricature sketch done of herself.

As the sky darkened and raindrops began to fall, we sought refuge at Finn's Restaurant, sitting comfortably under the awning of the upstairs patio bar. The downpour arrived in full force just as our food was served. While most patrons scurried indoors for shelter, Gia and I stayed put, relishing the dramatic weather and our delicious meal.

Returning to the Gladiator under a gentle drizzle, we made our way back to my condo, both of us smiling despite being slightly damp. Gia was a joy to be around—considerate, affectionate, yet emotionally distant in bed. I found myself pondering why I was drawn to someone seemingly unattainable. It's funny how when you're infatuated, you tend to see the best in someone, even if reality might be more complex.

Gia possesses many appealing qualities, and I'm drawn to her physically. She has a radiant smile. While I don't see her as someone suited for a long-term relationship, she would make an excellent companion for short-term adventures, provided she's open to it. So far, she is not.

Gia left for home Monday night, feeling homesick and mentally drained despite her efforts to stay until the end of the month. I'm uncertain when or if she'll return; perhaps not until September, if at all. Despite Gia not being what I'm actively seeking, I find it difficult to let go, perhaps because no one else fits the mold.

Not Enough Glue

 Gia has a captivating smile. When she truly smiles, her eyes sparkle, the years fall from her face, and she has a youthful innocence. Gia has been in Michigan for a month and is getting homesick. As the weather shifts to summer, the club is slowing down.

Gia: I may leave sooner. Work is getting annoying. A lot of cheap dudes, and I'm tired of spending money on a rental car. 

Bathwater: How soon are you thinking?

Gia: I don't know. Pretty soon, honestly. I'll see how tonight goes. Maybe next time, I'll only get an Airbnb for two weeks, not a whole month.

Bathwater: I figured it would slow down once the weather kicked in. Today is Father's Day.

Gia: You were right. I forgot it is Father's Day :(.

Bathwater: Do you want me to come down and keep you company for a bit?

Gia: It's up to you. That's a far drive.

I drove across town to the club. An accident caused the fifty-minute drive to take an extra twenty-five minutes. I arrived at eight forty-five. It was the first time I had been to the club since April. Gia and I have been seeing each other outside the club on Fridays. 

There were more dancers than customers. I got a booth, and Gia and I camped out for most of the night between her trips to the stage. She tried approaching a few other customers without luck. 

"You have come a long way since we first met. You are less stubborn," I tell her.

Gia and I are sitting in the booth. Gia is wearing an orange micro bikini. Her legs are stretched out across my lap. 

"I have been working on that with you," she tells me. 

I wish there was more of a connection between Gia and me. There are so many differences, and there is not enough glue. 

Not The Nail

 I don't know why I haven't been taking the time to write more. Many things go by without me recording them here. I find it hard to recreate the events in a narrative that pleases me. This is ironic considering all the tools we have today to improve our writing. 

I have been communicating very little with anyone lately. I told Gia I reached out to her more than anyone else, which surprised her, considering we don't text much. 

Brit sits across from me on the couch. She is talking to me about her relationship with the guy from California. They met on Instagram. Brit flew out to see him. This guy lives with two roommates, both women. One was supposed to be his cousin, but Brit never sees this cousin and isn't sure she even exists. 

The red flags continue to pile up. First, the guy says he is in his low forties. It turns out he is fifty. He has five kids by three women that he never mentioned to her. He is a graffiti artist and likes to tag trains—at fifty?

The conversations she tells me are him gaslighting her. Brit is a psychology major. It is the classic case of a person with mental issues seeking answers. Brit is visibly upset over this guy. I wanted to tell her he sounded like a big loser who would not bring her happiness, but you can't fight emotion with logic. The whole conversation reminds me of the YouTube short  It's Not About The Nail.

I shut down the conversation by leading Brit upstairs. 

Nothing is Perfect

I have been seeing both Gia and Brit. Both could be better. I enjoy hanging out with Gia. She is opening up to me slowly but plans to stay only through June. She is still hard to get close to, which makes intimacy difficult for me. Gia knows it, and I know it. Mostly because I want more from her.

On Sunday, I picked Gia up from her AirBnB. 

Gia: (You can pick me up.) As long as you take me to Walmart, that's the deal. 

Bathwater: No problem.

Gia: And UPS. I need to mail out my rent.

We stopped at both so she could run errands and then head into New Baltimore for lunch. After we ate, we walked through a small fleamarket before returning to my condo. 

*      *      *

Brit came over Tuesday night. She spent the first forty-five minutes telling me about a long-distance boyfriend (sort of) who lives in California. She is upset with him, but not over him. The guy has so many red flags around him that she should be running away from him. Brit seems immature for her age, probably due to some past relationship. Naive and vulnerable are the words I would use to describe her even though she is thirty.

Options

 Gia is back in Detroit, which surprised me. She indicated she was thinking about coming back, but then, on Monday, she texted me, saying she was coming back on Tuesday.

Gia: I'll be in Michigan tomorrow.

Bathwater: What? Tomorrow? Thanks for the heads up.

Gia: Hah

Bathwater: How long do you plan on staying?

Gia: A while.

Bathwater: Well, that narrows it down.

Gia: A month to start.

I said Gia needed to let me take her to dinner on Friday for her birthday. She doesn't like working the weekends anyway, so I told her we could hang out in Royal Oak. I would take her to all the worst places.

Brit still seems to be interested in continuing to get together. We are hanging out on Thursday. With summer approaching, it is nice to have options. 

Funny

My twins text me occasionally things about my ex-wife. I don't really engage much with them about her. The twins like to complain, and I am sure they do the same thing about me. I did receive two texts that I found interesting last week.

This one was the day before Mother's Day. 

Twin A: Mom told me today is the day she divorced you.

It has been twenty years. I would even be able to guess the day the divorce was finalized. I do remember the day she filed for divorce. It was on my birthday. Why would she even remember the day?

Twin B: We went to Romeo today to meet Mom's cousin with Mom and Stepdad. (I am paraphrasing.)

I didn't mention to Twin B that his mom dated her cousin (same last name but distant enough) before me. I am sure she didn't say that to her now-husband, either. She seems to have a problem letting go of her past, and she tends to romanticize it. The first thing she did when she decided to divorce me was look up an old boyfriend she hadn't seen in 18 years. She dated him long-distance for about a year during and after the divorce.

I wouldn't be surprised if history repeats itself. 

Keyfob

 Brit came over last night. I'm picky, and even I admit this girl is a 9 out of 10. I still need to figure her out. Brit is quiet, but I don't see any red flags yet. She has blond hair, a pretty face, and a nice natural body. Brit says she wants to gain a few pounds but hasn't felt like eating lately. She looks perfect the way she is now. She should have her choice of options.

On the lighter side, I got in the Gladiator this morning and didn't have my key. You only need to have the key in your pocket to start the vehicle, which is a push-button start. I looked all over the place for my keyfob and started wondering if Brit had walked off with it. Silly, I know, but hey, I don't really know her. Twenty minutes later, I found my key in the kitchen junk drawer. I must have thrown it in there when I was cleaning up.

Brit, Mulch, and Covid

 Gia flew back to Rhode Island Friday morning. She enjoyed her time here. It is as close to a vacation as she will allow herself. I don't think I have seen the last of her. Although it is expensive for her to make the trip. Gia knows a dancer in Texas who is considering joining her next time. It would make the journey more inviting if she split the cost with someone. I'd be curious to meet this friend of hers. Gia only gets close to a few people. 

Remember Brit from this post? Brit came over to the condo Friday night. This girl is really hot. Brit wore light jeans, a top that showed off her stomach, and a white sweater. I showed Brit around the place and then went to New Baltimore to eat. Brit is not a picky eater, which is nice. She's quiet, but I pulled some new information from her.

 Brit has a day job, but her psychology degree is not paying off. She really needs a Master's or better. Brit is thirty. Her parents divorced when she was twenty. Her dad remarried and is not in the picture, but she is close to her mom. Brit has a kitten. Brit says she has had mutually beneficial arrangements in the past, but judging from how she comes across, I suspect it was more like an older guy who cared for her. 

Brit is quiet and seems naive for her age. I have decided to be open-minded about Brit. She is interested in continuing our arrangement and wants to get together again this week. We only did some heavy petting at the end of the night, but she has clarified that she is ready for more. 

I tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. Over the weekend, I hauled 115 bags of mulch for the Condo association. We offer 5 bags to any resident who wants to spread it themselves. We are having 200 more bags delivered, but Home Depot has delayed our order. The Association decided to get ahead because the mulch was on sale.

I spread at least 40 bags over the weekend while sick. I hit areas where people had already weeded, or the weeds were easy enough to pull before laying the mulch. It will only partially solve our mulch problem but will make a significant dent cost-efficiently. If the mulch goes on sale again, I am going to push us to do a second round this year.

Coffee

 I met the new girl at a coffee show in Roseville yesterday. For lack of a better name, I will call her Brit. Brit has long, straight blond hair and a fake tan glow. Brit wore yogi pants and a gold halter top that showed off a bit of her midriff. She also wore large gold hoop earrings—the type you don't see many girls wear anymore. She is pretty and better looking in person than in her pictures. She has a nice petite body. I would say she is in her low thirties, older than she claimed, but still fine with me.

Brit looks different from the type of person who usually clicks with me. She seems more like a high-maintenance stripper than the girl next door. Out of my financial league is the term I would use. She told me she has a bachelor's degree in one of those social fields that don't pay well and wants to get her master's degree. Maybe, but from the way she looked on our coffee date, I say there is more to the story.

Brit is quiet, but we managed to have a conversation. I indicated what I was looking for, and she said she was interested in pursuing the arrangement further. I am skeptical, but I wouldn't mind it right now, even if we only get together a few times. She said she was going out of town next week. That could mean anything, from she is seeing someone else to that she is keeping her options open. She did respond positively to my text after we met. Time will tell.

Eclipse

 I viewed the solar eclipse yesterday. It did not go dark here, but we witnessed the moon cover the sun. I used special glasses. I have nothing of interest to report. I have been building Lego and seeing my kids, but otherwise, I have been lying low.

Gia still hasn't decided whether to return this month. One day, she is coming; the next, she is not. Gia wants to stay for a month or more but feels it is too expensive. Gia is worried about it working out financially. As of this morning, she has returned to considering coming out for just the week of the NFL draft. Gia will need to make her mind up soon. The draft is only two weeks away.

I really want to see her again. Though I know it will probably lead to nothing, she is fun to be around. I do have a coffee date with a new girl tonight. We will see how that goes. It would be nice to have someone around for the summer. 

This week is Max's birthday. He turns twenty-five. I want to buy him a new pair of boots for work. He has been walking around with duct tape on his current pair for a month but refuses to buy a new pair. 

Snapshot of March

  In homage to Sarah H. at Death Wears Diamond Jewelry, who is no longer blogging but is missed.

Listening… Podcasts like The Rewatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer. These are the same women who do Morbid. It is funny to listen to them dissect the episodes.

Reading… How To Read People Like A Book. I got bored with this one. It was all common sense.

Watching…I am not watching any TV.

Playing … I have been playing Wordscapes on my phone (still).

Building... I have been building with my Lego. Here is an example.

Buying… I splurged and bought some overpriced sheets from Boll and Branch. I haven't put them on yet. I entered a sweepstakes on their site and won a second set of sheets and a blanket. Those haven't arrived yet.

Loving... I have a four-day workweek this week.

Planning… On seeing Gia next month. She has confirmed she is coming back in about four weeks. I don't know how long she plans on staying.

Missing… Good TV, warm weather, someone to get close to... the usual.

Update

 This month has two lame Holidays. What good is St. Patrick's Day if you don't drink? Easter? If you are not religious, you get stuck with the Easter Bunny. How lame. I didn't go to the bar on Sunday. I stayed home and begged out. I did make an interesting little Lego scene on Saturday. I have a few details to add before I take pictures. I planned something else. They never are planned, but it didn't look bad, and it will go to the show in July.

The March weather has been hit or miss, with several cold days expected this week. I can't wait for March to be over. I don't have anything else to report. I am getting boring in my old age, but I am okay with that.

Annoyed

 I am annoyed with office stuff today. I don't talk much about my job. It is safer that way. People amaze me, though. Some do not want to make any effort of their own. They want to be told what to do rather than think themselves. Others take advantage of the bosses being away to leave themselves. I am not the hardest worker, but I get the job done. 

Anyway, I have about two weeks of disassembling and sorting Lego. I have agreed to participate in the small show in July. At this point, the plan is only to bring three creations: something new and two from the Novi show. I bought a revolving lighted disc. The latest piece will sit on that.

I would like a quick March. The temperatures have been pleasant lately, and I look forward to Spring. I am hoping Gia will still come back next month. We still text, but I have been pressing her about her return plans.

BrickFestLive Display

It took 3 hours to set up Friday. Below are pictures from my display. The event coordinators were very friendly and accommodating to changes that I requested to my table layout. They allowed me to pull the Gladiator into the hall for easier unloading.

Star Wars Scene

Viking House

Winter Fort

Overall View

Forestman's Treehouse

Dragon Seige

 Saturday was very busy. I was on my feet for the whole eight hours. I answered the same questions over and over. "How long did that take you?" "Is anything glued together?" 

There were only two other local private displays, so I had a captive audience. No one from the local MICHLUG group participated except me. The rest of the show was about kid activities and a Lego store. BrickFestLive did an excellent job of organizing those. If they had the support of local talent, it would make for a great show.

Before the Sunday started, I moved all the tables away from the red protective railings. Too many kids were touching the displays the day before. Still, I had a good time, which motivates me to keep building bigger and better. I was invited to a small show in Highland, Michigan, occurring in July. The woman was attractive and about my age, so I will display something there. :)

I plan to take everything down except the Treehouse, the Winter Tower, and the French-style building (not shown). People cannot believe me when I tell them the large display is coming down. I have a lot of Lego, but I cannot afford to keep that many pieces assembled. I estimated I had about $4,000 worth of Lego on display. Adjusting for replacement costs. The Star Wars Vehicle alone is worth $400. 

At one point, a little girl asked if I would build a mini-figure set she just purchased with her. I had to try explaining that I was not a Lego Master from the TV show and that there were two in the far corner. 

BrickFestLive

 Tomorrow, I must lug my Lego models to the Novi Suburban Show Place for BrickFest Live. This is the same place I previously displayed, but a different show. They are only giving people 5 hours on Friday to set up displays. That is short. Getting everything packed in the Gladiator in one trip will be a challenge.

This show isn't paying for parking for those displaying. That is disappointing. I am still determining what to expect at this show. I feel like there will not be as many independent Lego enthusiasts displaying. I aim to display what I have currently so I can take it all about, except the Forestman Treehouse; I want to keep that up for a while. 

Pictures to come.

Firefly Update

 For those of you keeping up Firefly is now pregnant with her second child. I haven't spoken to her lately, so I do not know if this was planned. The baby is due in August, which is the same time as the first. They don't seem to be struggling. They just returned from a trip to Florida and have added a second used car to the family. I believe there is a lot of family help going on there.

She went from nearly dead to having a baby, marriage, and now a second child. Divorce and single parenting will be next if things go according to the law of averages. Just kidding. Let's hope not.

I finished my taxes. What a pain in the ass. I am going to look into having someone do it next year. I doubt it would cost me much more.

The World Is Going To Hell

Sam texted me Friday asking if I wanted to get dinner. I agreed, and we planned to meet at 6:00. I hung around the office after work instead of heading home and waiting for 6:00. I arrived at the Green Lantern before Sam and got us a table. I opened the door to enter. A family with a young daughter was living. The daughter had her face glued to a giant iPad and had to be guided out the door.

I was seated by the windows. I ordered us drinks and waited for Sam to arrive. I was playing a game on my fun when I received a text from Gia. We were bantering back and forth when Sam arrived. Sam asked who I was texting. When I told her it was Gia, Sam's face turned to one of disapproval. Sam thinks I should not waste time on Gia. While I agree there is no future in it. I still like Gia; she doesn't distract me from anyone else. Her return is something to look forward to.

I finished up my text conversation with Gia.

Bathwater: Have a good night + (a gif with a digital cat shaking its tail).

Gai: Hahaha, you too. Miss you. (heart)

That alone makes my day. Who doesn't like positive attention from someone you are into. 

Sam and I ordered individual pizzas. Behind Sam, two women sit at a table. One had a daughter around ten with them. The daughter had an iPad. The daughter was standing in the space between the tables. She drew my attention as she placed the iPad on the window sill and started making TikTok videos, dancing right behind Sam. 

I was appalled. Not only was it inappropriate for the girl to infringe on our meal that way, but a child that age should not be on TikTok. This went on for several minutes. The mother and other woman were oblivious to her.

I felt like saying something loud enough for them to hear. Thankfully, they left soon after, and we enjoyed our meal. The world is going to hell. People are raising screen-addicted, attention-seeking drones who will not be able to function in the world. 

Nuggets

Last Friday, I went to see the psychic. It could have been a better reading. She did come up with a few good nuggets, though. She did see me seeing Gia again. She described Gia perfectly. The Psychic said Gia liked to be in control, she was focused on money, and I would show her she could still have fun. When I ask the psychic about different people, I never give her any of my opinions, only the names. She always comes back with wildly different descriptions that only match that person. For example, what she said about Billie or Ava would never apply to Gia.

She didn't see anything developing with Gia. Just more of the same. I am okay with that. The Psychic did describe someone else being around me. Someone I currently know, but I still need to take the time to figure it out. She said this year will not be my year with a travel partner. She sees that in 2025. Oh well.

Thursday night, I received a message through TikTok from a different dancer I often talk to from the club. I did not plan on returning to the club until Gia returned in April, but since this girl reached out, I made the trip on Saturday. 

A lot of girls were working, but none really interested me. The one I went to see was there. She is fun to talk with. I planned to take her to the back and spend some time with her, but she disappeared. Not with a customer in the back. I think she just left. Either way, the night was disappointing, and I don't plan to return anytime soon. 

This week is Chinese New Year, the year of the dragon. My colleagues in China are all on vacation, so work has slowed down for the week. 

The highlight of my days is my brief text exchanges with Gia. I reach out a few times a week, and we usually banter back and forth a bit when she replies. Distance is a hard thing to overcome, though. 

Update

 I have been trying to keep up with the blog this year. This weather makes me feel like staying put. When I am at home, I don't feel like leaving. Even at work, I dread getting into the car for the ride home.

I have been dealing with one condo association issue. We are trying to change the bylaws. We sent out a package to all the residents for approval. At this time, we are a few votes shy of the two-thirds majority we need. I will go door-to-door this weekend to explain the changes to six or seven residents to get the quorum. I don't trust the President to go on her own. She tends to rub people the wrong way.

I continue to text with Gia. She thinks April, when the weather breaks, would be a good time to return to Michigan to work. She indicated the NFL draft is in Detroit at the end of April. That girl is always doing her research. Hopefully, it works out. 

I finished my edits on Dave's next book. It was an engaging read. One of his best. I have to start my taxes over the next couple of weeks. Over a week ago, when I started this post, the weather was very cold. It has been mild since then.

I have been slowly working on a new castle. My progress has been impeded by a lack of parts. Most of my tan is tied up in models built for the show coming up.

Snapshot of January

In homage to Sarah H. at Death Wears Diamond Jewelry, who is no longer blogging but is missed.

Listening… Podcasts Why Files Operation Podcast. It deals with a wide range of unexplained and paranormal. 

Reading… The Body In Motion, Dave Snyder's upcoming book I am helping edit.

Watching…I am Peaky Blinders on Netflix. I like this show. I can't believe I started it once before and didn't keep watching.

Playing … I have been playing Wordscapes and Royal Match on my phone. 

Hoping… For a mild winter from here on out.

Buying… Nothing lately 

Loving... Nothing here

Planning…  Transportation of my Lego models to BrickFestLive on March 2nd and 3rd

Missing… Gia, who I still text with but cannot convince to go on a trip with me.

The Weekend

I stayed inside again this weekend. The cold weather has me hibernating. I toyed with this pink tower top on Saturday. I don't have enough pink to make a full tower. Besides, I think it is a bit much. It was more of a learning experience for me.

I do like the frogs as ornamentation. I will have to see if they come in grey.

Sunday, I started what will become the centerpiece of my new build. I won't be able to get too far into it until after the show in March. Too many of my tan pieces are taken up by other builds.

The one started out as an experiment, too, but I think I will keep it going

Winter

From my balcony, I saw a vacant field and the houses beyond for nineteen years. Now, looking out the doorwall, I see a wall of black shingled roofs that block out everything. It's been cold. The kind of cold that makes you want to stay indoors. Despite that, I went to the grocery store after work while the sun was still out. My hands were stinging after I loaded the truck and returned the cart.

*     *     *

It has been a few days since I started this post. The temperatures are in the teens and twenties now. We have been getting snow every other day, but not enough to make it challenging for the Gladiator. I completed the final tower for the show. Anything else I build between now and then will be extra. I don't have plans to start anything big. My collection of essential parts is mostly in the pieces waiting for the show. Will see. I don't plan on doing much other than build Lego this weekend.

The Front

The Back

Aerial View

It comes apart in three sections

Side Views

Side View

Final Project for BrickFest

 The Gladiator read -3 degrees this morning as I drove to work. I stayed indoors over the weekend. I built Legos on Saturday and watched Peaky Blinders on Sunday. I took some images during each stage. I am not really happy with the results. Too many errors in the build. I am still deciding if I will continue or redo it all.

The Base

I figured a snow scene would be appropriate

My theory was to work in several stairs

Figuring out the angles

The first roof was rejected

The upper roof is better, but I need to work on more color and frills. The lower roof needs work, too. I might continue with it, but there will need to be a lot of rework.

Quick

      Here is a quick look at the finished roof. It actually comes apart in three sections.

                                                 

Brick Fest Live

 In my post Conversations, Rothwilder suggested: Give her some space, see if she writes you and takes initiative. Only way to know for sure. 

I took their advice and gave Gia some space. She continues to reach out to me close to as much as I her. Nothing profound, but we keep in touch. She is still in Rhode Island and is currently sick. 

I received acceptance to display at BrickFestLive in Novi, Michigan. It is about 45 minutes away. The show is on March 2nd and 3rd. It is a different show than last time but at the same venue as before. I will be continuing to build up to the day of the event. I have committed to filling four tables. I really need to finish the Star Wars scene.  I need to figure out the roof of my latest building and maybe create more pieces for the show. 

Transporting everything will be a challenge also. I will be taking the Friday before the show off to set up. I plan on taking the majority of the pieces apart after the show. I will probably keep the newest scenes up in case there is a show nearby some other time of the year.

Weekend In

 I stayed inside and built Legos all weekend. I hope to be accepted to display in BrickFestLive the first week in March. The club I loosely belong to displays year-round at other venues, but they specialize in city scenes, while I tend toward castle scenes. I have an interview this Wednesday to see if they accept me. If not, I don't know where I will display this year. 

I have one large layout and four smaller stand-alone pieces. I am working on a fifth, which I hope to have completed for the show. I just need to figure out the complex roof angles for the building. 

It is a lovely building with angles but needs a properly angled roof to make it unique. The challenge will be finding enough parts for a roof, determining the angles, and keeping the tower.

I want to go to Utah in March, also. Gia will not go. Max is interested but needs to see if he can get the time off work. He will need to take off seven work days. I want to attend the Off-Road Wrecker Games. It would be a busy few months if these things come together. 

Max Update

 Max stopped by for lunch today. He says they have him on overtime for the next three weeks. Max works in a shop that specializes in making walk-in freezers for restaurants. They ship them all over the country. Apparently, there are few companies out there that do this. He likes the work, and the pay is okay. 

There are only seven or eight others in the shop. Max is the youngest, and he picked up on the work quickly. He sounds like one of the shop's most dependable workers. Max works on the doors and doorframes. His supervisor wants Max to learn to build the rest of the unit. This is a good idea. It will only make him more valuable. Even though I wouldn't want to see him stay there. 

Max told me he will be working overtime for the next three weeks. I told him winter is a good time for that. He isn't going to be doing much anyway. He will be working six nine-hour days. When I was his age, I put in fifty-three hours a week in five days. Max said he has almost $10,000 saved up. That is great. I'd like to see him get his own place one day.

Conversations

Gia and I are still texting daily. Mostly, she just replies to mine, but she always responds.

Bathwater: Happy New Year. Did you make any resolutions?

Gia: Nope. You?

Bathwater: To stop wasting time and to see you again. I am going to need your help on the second one. :).

Gia: Okay! I am just home right now. I need a little break from being on the road.

It is hard to keep things from fading. The distance and her avoidant nature are daunting, but I don't want to give up on her, and she hasn't given me a reason to give up. Still, there is little hope of connecting.

Give me a reason.
To end this discussion
To break with tradition
To fold and divide
'Cause I hate the ocean, theme parks and airplanes
Talking with strangers, waiting in line
I'm through with these pills that make me sit still
Are you feeling fine?
(Yes, I feel just fine)
Tell me that you're alright
"Yeah, everything is alright."
Oh, please tell me that you're alright
"Yeah, everything is alright"... Everything Is Alright, Motion City Soundtrack.

Happy New Year

It's a new day
But it all feels old
It's a good life
That's what I'm told
But everything, it all just feels the same

I am back to work. I didn't miss it. I was falling into a pretty good routine. I could embrace retirement. I built three Lego models while I was on vacation. All in the last week. I would spend up to eight hours daily just listening to podcasts, building and sorting. My Lego table is a jumble of parts when I am building.

You already saw the Treehouse. I like that one. I have put it away for this year's show. Here are the two others. The first is a companion piece for the Treehouse.

The second was an experiment. I was trying a new way to make a round tower. It worked out well.

Now, I have fifty- five emails to sift through and respond to.  So the year begins.

This is the anthem.

Throw all your hands up.

Y'all got to feel me

Sing if you're with me...The Anthem, Good Charlotte