#NewYearNewMe

  Why do we wait until the year has passed by to try something new or in many cases, try again? In my case, not much has changed. Except for maybe the amount of booze on the kitchen counter. And new titles to play through. I'm still bitter about a book that was supposed to be suspenseful cyberpunk-y but ended up being evangelist drivel under the guise of tech-y, mystery horror. Maybe in 2019, I'll get over it?!

Over work break into the new year, there was some mild gluttony. 

 Or as some would say, living our best lives.

 There was no shortage of noodles or rice going into the new year. Not in this tummy.

We also went to Frank & Sons. It's this collectibles show thingy. Basically if you take.... hmm.. if you take Long Beach Comic Con, and strip it of food trucks and cosplayers, you get Frank & Sons. Can find tons of vintage toys, comics, consoles and parts, all sorts of that shit. Been around since the 80's. It's cool.

I had a specific mission though. There's a variant I've been wanting forEVER. A Puppet Master variant. But was hard to come by everywhere I'd go looking for it. I could just order it online, but it's really fun actually scavenging for it. Especially because usually I get answers from dudes saying "I left my puppet masters at home" or "nah I think I have 1 or 2" of issues I already have, or just... not even ever having it.

Comic vendors; YOU HAVE NICHE AUDIENCES. WE'RE SPORADIC BUT WE'RE OUT THERE AND WE NEED YOU TO BELIEVE IN US

So after looking for a while, this one dude said he had another booth on the other side of the hall that he only opens on Saturdays, but he might have it there. This dude was so awesome that he got his buddy to cover for him quick while he walked us over there to check.

He had plenty of horror comics. The most I've seen all at once of various sects.

I had no clue there were Chucky comics... 

 But he had NO Puppet Master! Said he must've left them at his place- not a lot were printed, and they didn't sell much; a song that still haunts my dreams.

We moved on, discouraged. but determined. I wasn't gonna give up, because the variant I wanted was at Frank & Sons. I saw it there the last time I visited. I didn't wanna drop the $$ for it at the time, but I was biting myself in the ass for not doing so when the chance was there. Eventually..

I fucking got it.

After tons of hours scavenging for her, I finally fucking found her. Again, I know it could've easily been acquired had I just ordered it off eBay or something. But one of the most awesome things about comics is the scavenging! Especially if they're old and hard to come by. And when you finally find it and hold it in your hands, it's the most rewarding feeling. A thousand loot boxes could never amount to that feeling. 
She was the last one left. At a booth we had already visited, but skimmed. The second time around, I asked the one chick if she had any puppet master issues, expecting a hard no considering the massive amounts of marvel on display, but instead she said she was pretty sure she had some. She then turned to the other chick tending the booth with her, asked, and 2nd chick said oh yeah! I have a ton of Puppet Master, they're just buried at the bottom. She had to move 4 other boxes that were on top of the one that held my precious variant, and she pulls it out, and flips through the issues, showing me the generous variety. I    s q u e a k e d. Most of them were line art cover variants of Tunneler, Jester, and Leech Woman. Some back issues I already had, and then the one I was looking for came showed itself and I assaulted that woman with my money.

Hellraiser issues, while still uncommon, are a little easier to come by.

I've been embracing my inner potato, and donuts.

New Years was spent at home, drinking whiskey and champagne, and gaming. 

 I like when he looks serious and unapproachable. It's like a challenge to break him. 

he brought us here again on a spontaneous date. I like the turkey burger, because it's incredibly flavorful and a tiny bit spicy, doesn't taste like the average American burger whatsoever.

The last 2 weeks since work has resumed have been like a sleepy haze, but I'm glad to be back. This coming week is going to test me in many ways. I welcome it fully.

That aside, I'm glad I gave Fallout 76 a chance. Someone told me they thought it was cool of me to be open- minded about a title that everyone is bashing currently. I don't really get why being open-minded about something I haven't tried yet makes me cool.It's not that deep I realize, but has become so commonplace to join in on witch hunts that simply being above toxicity is no longer the standard; that someone who DOESN'T bash something they haven't played, seems cool? Like, what? No. That's so backwards. Makes one look like a sloppy pedant.

Anyway, give things a chance before talking shit, or you look dumb.
That's my wisdom for 2019; apply and rub onto skin thoroughly. let dry overnight. If results don't occur within a day, reapply until you can support yourself monetarily before dumping on anything anyone else has ever created.