Rebirth Of The Red Lantern: Volume 2, Chapter 7

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Life balance. I have a novel to edit, yet I have a life to live. I didn’t touch my novel for two days so I could do a little retail… well it’s not therapy if I needed those things I bought, right? I’ll tell y’all about it in a bit.

WHAT BOTTLE I OPENED THIS WEEK

2023 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige ($35). It was one of the worst wines I’ve had all year and I’ve updated the 2025 Wines page accordingly.

WHAT I BOUGHT

My new summer/vacation wardrobe is proof the tariffs have arrived. At DXL Tommy Bahama shirts are $138, a $14 increase vs February’s prices. The Robert Graham shirts are now $145, and I believe there were in the $130 range previously. I also picked up three pairs of cargo shorts, so everything set me back just north of $800 including sales tax.

I also picked up three pairs of Sketchers at DSW for about $235, and that included a 15% discount for signing up for their rewards program via email. Yes, I spent four figures on clothes within twenty four hours but I'll be fashionable and comfortable this summer and my next Palm Desert trip.

WHAT MADE ME LAUGH

The Padres blew a 5-3 lead in the ninth inning Monday night against the AnAels (aka Los Angeles Angels). Closer Robert Suarez had converted 18 straight save opportunities, yet gave up four walks. Alek Jacob replaced Suarez and then gave up a grand slam that put the Angels up 9-5. All you can do is laugh once the shock wears off.

WHAT MADE ME A LITTLE INSECURE

I did my own Padres bullpen imitation when Wordle wrecked me three out of the past seven mornings. Ara ara!

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

• In The Heavenly Prison, The Devil Enchants Me, Volume 1
• My Girlfriend’s Not Here Today, Volume 3
• My Girlfriend’s Not Here Today, Volume 4
• Fly Me To The Moon, Volume 28
• My Lovey-Dovey Wife Is A Stone Cold Killer, Volume 7

Also 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), Awaiting Volume 2
• An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups: This Gyaru Is Head Over Heels For Me!, Awaiting Volume 11
• The Villainess Is Dead! Long Live The Empress! Redoing The Story After A Poisonous End, Volume 2
• Notorious No More: The Villainess Enjoys Feigning Incompetence, Volume 1
• Blade Skill Online: Crushing The Competition With My Abysmal Stats, Useless Class and Garbage Weapon! (manga), Volume 1
• Make It Stop! I’m Not Strong… It’s Just My Sword! (manga), Volume 1

WHAT I WATCHED

ESPN’s “3: The Dale Earnhardt Story” is free to stream on YouTube. I saw it back in 2004 and despite some inaccuracies I still think it’s an underrated racing movie that’s worth checking out.

WHAT I LISTENED TO

Prince songs. Disgraceland had a two part podcast on the Purple Rain icon, and I’ve always loved how playful his music is. Or at least that’s the mood “Let’s Go Crazy” puts me in.

THIS WEEK’S TOMMY MILNER SALUTE GOES TO…

I don’t have any candidates this week. Moving on…

A FIST BUMP GOES TO…

Former Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black, who did what he could with a AAA-level roster until he was fired after Sunday’s game. No one can prevent that bunch from losing 100 games three seasons in a row.

WHERE I’M GOING TODAY

I’m taking Miku to Callaway Winery for lunch. I’ve had lamb flatbread and a glass of malbec on the brain for weeks, and I fear they’ll change their seasonal menu before July's trip. I may visit the tasting room and gift shop while I'm there.