Rebirth Of The Red Lantern: Volume 1, Bonus Chapter

It’s the end of the quarter, and like any good manga volume the final chapter is a bonus chapter that may or may not follow its usual form. This time, the bonus chapter will have a vacation flavor because why not? Let’s rip! -- Robzilla.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Dating. I did a lot of thinking lately and I’ve decided I’m no longer looking for a relationship. I’m basing this on issues both Bert and I have finding quality people to partner with, let alone date. 

I’m certain today’s hookup culture and the political climate have a lot to do with this, so I’m ready to smash (Down To Fuck) or go my own way (MGTOW). I’d rather be alone than be partnered with someone that drains me of my peace, my money, or my life force.

WHAT BOTTLE I OPENED 

Tres Llaves Winery 2021 Red Blend, but that was before I skipped town. ICYMI I updated the 2025 Wines page before I left. Moving on…

WHAT I BOUGHT

A travel case for the new Bulova watches. The Porch Gods delivered it roughly five hours after I arrived home, and I have a second one for the Victorinox watches on the way.

WHAT DEALS I SCORED

Saving a combined $270 on those Bulova watches was great, but I had no idea the biggest score I made was at the pawn shop eight days ago. This Invicta Coalition Forces X Wing watch that I picked up for $75 apparently was four figures when it was brand new.

SpringHill Suites gets an honorable mention. I toyed with the idea of spending a weekend in Temecula in April until I learned my $105 suite goes for over $250 on a Friday or a Saturday night. 

Ara ara! I think I’ll stick to midweek journeys.

WHERE I’M GOING

I’ll return to Callaway and Danza del Sol wineries sometime in April, but I’m unsure if I’ll do two day trips or another three night stay at SpringHill Suites at this time. My sister has two cruises, one in April and another that overlaps May and June, so I’ll have to schedule my trips around hers. My six month check in with my financial advisor will also be in April. It’s best not to make any concrete plans until I get that FA meeting scheduled.

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

Valdora has been replaced with Darkness from Konosuba, and I love her expression there. Imagine me like that when I have a good book to read. Anyway, here's what I read.

• A Tale Of Two Cities (in progress)
• It’s All Your Fault, Volume 1
• I Can’t Say No To the Lonely Girl, Volume 6 (final volume)
• A Couple of Cuckoos, Volume 22
• Cheeky Brat, Volume 13

Also in progress from J-Novel Club 

• The Hero And The Sage: Reincarnated And Engaged, Volume 4
• The Poison King: Now That I’ve Gained Ultimate Power, The Bewitching Beauties In My Harem Can’t Get Enough Of Me, Volume 4
• The Villainess Is Dead! Long Live The Empress! Redoing The Story After A Poisonous End, Volume 1
• My Fiance Cheated, But A New Love Rings!, Volume 1
• My Tiny Senpai (manga), Volume 1
• An Introvert’s Hiccup Hookups: This Gyaru Is Head Over Heels For Me!, Volume 10

WHAT I WATCHED

KCAL Morning News. Sometimes it was informative, and often it was background noise while I worked on my novel. It was a welcome distraction in the mornings and late evenings.

WHAT I LISTENED TO

On my way up to Danza del Sol Winery I listened to Poison, who once upon a time looked prettier in makeup than some of the girls I dated back in the day! That’s some fun party music there.

THE TOMMY MILNER SALUTE GOES TO…

Amazon. When I ordered the second watch travel case they told me I was eligible for overnight shipping if I added other items to bump my total order to over $70. So I added lens wipes, two hot sauce bottles and a screen cleaner. When I paid for everything I was then informed half of my stuff will arrive this morning and the other half on Monday.

I’ve seen companies get sued for less. Speaking of that…

A FIST BUMP GOES TO…

Name Redacted for suing my last employer. When I arrived home, USPS had delivered a class action lawsuit settlement check that would’ve covered my Meritage meal plus a 30% tip. It was one of those deals that I assumed I’d only get $5 for, so that was a nice surprise.

WHAT’S UP WITH MY WRITING

My goal during my trip was to write three chapters, and I wrote five. As of Friday morning 32 out of 52 chapters have been written. It’s possible I could finish this first draft by mid-April.

WHAT’S UP WITH MY HEALTH

I didn’t miss a single workout, which is a little shocking considering I had that upset stomach to deal with on Thursday afternoon. I somehow only gained 0.6 lbs this week, but that takes me outside my normal weight range. 

I’m not worried. I’m assuming I’ll be back down within a week as long as I don’t stress eat or take a day trip to Richie’s. Holy hell, that pecan pie was good!