Rebirth Of The Red Lantern: Volume 1, Chapter 12

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Life and death. Bert advised me a mutual former coworker from a quarter century ago suddenly passed away yesterday morning. It doesn’t matter if I rarely saw them outside of the job. They were a part of my success and it hurts just the same knowing they really didn’t get to enjoy their retirement years.

I did some soul searching for obvious reasons, and when one does that hopes, dreams and regrets always resurface. For awhile I’ve thought about buying a gently used Rolex or Breitling watch to wear during my trips. I still may do that at some point, but yesterday my true nature intervened. More on that in a bit.

WHAT BOTTLE I OPENED 

Callaway 2022 Special Selection Pinot Gris (Callaway Winery, $35). I’ve updated the 2025 Wines page with a very favorable review.

I’ve already opened a red blend that will force me to eat pasta or an Italian dish to really enjoy it. I may update the wines list again before I head up north.

WHAT I SOLD

All of my Coca-Cola (KO) shares to lock in a 17% gain, and 250 shares of Ford (F) at a loss. The Ford loss nearly offsets the Coke’s capital gains, and this also frees up money for bargain shopping the next time the market tanks.

WHAT I BOUGHT

I visited a pawn shop in my old ‘hood and of course I migrated to the watches. They alerted me they had a three decades old Rolex for about $9k, but that’s outside of my appetite. A Rolex may gain value but it’s not guaranteed, especially if you wear it.

I can never pass up a good deal, so for $150 I brought both of these Invicta watches home. They can be worn every day, and they allow me to make my Victorinox watches the “nice” watches for my travels. I’m very pleased with this outcome.

WHAT ELSE MADE ME MOROSE

I got the shock of my life when I learned my comics pull list was transferred to another location. The store I’ve been visiting is located in a mall dying a slow death. Three of the four anchor tenants have closed shop since the pandemic, and this comics shop I’ve been visiting for over a decade may also shutter its doors.

I became aware at that moment this could be the last time I see my friend, so I decided to throw caution to the wind. It was low percentage shot to begin with, but I’ve always been a riverboat gambler at heart. I took my shot, and the end result was no surprise. Although the rejection stung for a few hours, I have closure on that part of my life.

WHERE I’M GOING

Temecula Valley Wine Country, and with everything that’s happened this past week I can’t wait to leave everything behind for four days.

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

I’m reading Charles Dickens a little bit at a time since I’m ahead of my classic book reading schedule. Therefore it will remain in progress during the month of April.

  • A Tale Of Two Cities (in progress)
  • Smoking Behind The Supermarket With You, Volume 4
  • Death’s Daughter and the Ebony Blade, Volume 4

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

YouTube videos of modern women that divorce men for any reason, and then discover they’re not getting the big payday they anticipated afterward. I don’t hate women, but I hate the ones that use men like this. I find these courtroom reaction videos quite hilarious.

WHAT I LISTENED TO

U2. The rediscovery of The Best of 1980-1990 album on Artoria’s MP3 stick made me beyond thrilled to listen to Bono and the gang on the way up to Dudley’s.

THE TOMMY MILNER SALUTE GOES TO…

People who cannot control their emotions. No one in particular, so this middle finger goes out to all of the assholes that make everyone else around them a bit cautious.

A FIST BUMP GOES TO…

I don’t have anyone this week. Finally…

WHAT’S UP WITH MY HEALTH

I modified my weight training workouts. Instead of five sets of ten, I’ve scaled it down to three. This allows me to work my muscles just as hard but condense a one hour workout to forty minutes. I prefer that.

I also stress ate a bit and gained three pounds. I’m still within my range so it’s not a problem at this time. I will not restrict myself during my vacation, so I just need to be mindful of what I eat before and afterward.

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