Rebirth Of The Red Lantern: Volume 2, Chapter 3

WHAT’S ON MY MIND (BESIDES MY BROTHER)

The aftermath of researching and writing an ensemble dark romance novel that mocks the modern dating scene. 

The stupidity I endured while watching YouTube videos is mind numbing. The entitlement issues and selfishness of the women I interacted with on Reddit is off the charts. I'm not talking about the thirtysomethings that can still bear children. I mean the ones in my own age bracket. Ara ara!

I’ll sum up my feelings about the modern dating scene like this. I usually go tit for tat with people I don't respect, so perhaps I should set my own impossible dating standards for women? Let's say any possible suitors must be like Rias Gremory on the right. If they're not 5'8", beautiful, voluptuous, and rich then I won't give them the time of day.

Nah. I wouldn't waste my energy doing something like that but I'll confess Ivy at the market has Rias's height, hair and eye color. Moving on...

WHAT BOTTLE I OPENED 

2022 Callaway Winemaker’s Reserve Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon ($45, Callaway Winery) The 2025 Wines page was updated prior to my trip, and this dessert wine was easily one of the best I’ve had this year.

WHERE I’M GOING

Due to my brother's situation I must stay local this week. I have the task of checking in with the nurses for updates daily and then message my traveling sister via WhatsApp. I can't really do any of that from Dudley's or Temecula Valley.

Speaking of which...

I've already booked my next 3 day/2 night stay in Temecula Valley for June's wine club pickup. Will I also return in May? I told the front desk clerk upon my departure I'd be back next month and I'm a man of my word. I can picture myself doing a one night stay after visiting Danza Del Sol's tasting room.

WHAT I BOUGHT

Loop Quiet 2 ear plugs. They can block out most of the sound from a big screen TV or a nearby smart phone so I ordered a second pair for travel. Can they go toe to toe with a speeding 18-wheeler on the freeway? A motorcyclist revving the engine in the parking lot before dawn? I’ll find out the next time I hit the road.

I chose violet because I like the color (yes!) and it's easy to spot if I drop one on or under the bed.

WHAT MADE ME HAPPY

The fish tacos and 2019 Winemaker’s Reserve Rousanne I enjoyed at Meritage can officially compete with my Tommy Bahama meal for Lunch of the Year.

The chocolate truffle cheesecake and 2022 Callaway Winemaker's Reserve Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon pairing in my last post was easily the best dessert I've ever had. 

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

I started reading The Book of Mormon upon my return to Le Crash Pad and I'm about 20% of the way through as of this post. I’ve always felt religious texts should be a personal guide and never used to discriminate against others, so I don't mind keeping it on my bookshelf when I'm done. 

Here’s what else I read this week…

• Rejected By The Hero’s Party, A Princess Decided To Live A Quiet Life In The Countryside, Volumes 1 & 2
• Mii-chan Wants To Be Kept, Volume 1

Also in progress from J-Novel Club 

• The Poison King: Now That I’ve Gained Ultimate Power, The Bewitching Beauties In My Harem Can’t Get Enough Of Me, Volume 5
• My Tiny Senpai (manga), Volume 1
• An Introvert’s Hiccup Hookups: This Gyaru Is Head Over Heels For Me!, Volume 10
• The Villainess Is Dead! Long Live The Empress! Redoing The Story After A Poisonous End, Volume 2

WHAT I LISTENED TO

When times are tough, I find Sarah Brightman’s voice soothing. Songs from her Symphony and Diva: The Singles Collection albums really hit the spot.

WHAT I WATCHED

The season finale of RuPaul's Drag Race. The winner really wasn't in doubt, but all four finalists plus Susie Toot were deserving of the crown and scepter. I'm so glad I jumped back on the RDR bandwagon this season after a long absence. Many of the queens were very personable as well as talented.

THE MOMOKA KAWARAGI SALUTE GOES TO…

The reckless driver of the white Cadillac Escalade that forced a Mitsubishi sedan onto the shoulder of the freeway during my trip home. This happened in my rear view mirrors and the freeway was slick from a scattered shower. That's why they deserve two middle fingers up instead of one.

A FIST BUMP GOES TO…

Meritage at Callaway. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The dress code is nonexistent. The food and wine are excellent. What more could I want for a midweek lunch spot?

WHAT’S UP WITH MY WRITING

The first draft of my novel is complete. Soon I’ll take copious notes as I read the manuscript on my 32” monitor. I’m not sure how long this process will take, but once it’s done I can begin working on the second draft.

WHAT’S UP WITH MY HEALTH

My thumb prevents me from lifting weights for probably the next week, so I'll be relegated to walking around my neighborhood or riding the exercise bike in the living room. 

I stress ate after I learned my brother was rushed to the ER Thursday morning. He's had two surgeries and remains in ICU as of this posting. Meanwhile I've gained three pounds and I'm sure two of them were from the past two days. Ara ara!

I'm above my usual weight range so I'll have to be on the straight and narrow for a couple of weeks. I don't mind. I had my fun and now it's time to get back to work.