Friday, March 25, 2016

Kicking The Fleas Off: What I Got

So the last two days I've spent showing many items I've passed over at the Midway Antique Mall.  Now it's time to show what I decided to get.  Don't expect nothing earth shattering, but I think I came out pretty good.  After I show it all off, I will give the grand total of the trip.

Let's see the building one last time, then jump into the good stuff.


Thursday, March 24, 2016

Kicking The Fleas Off Day 2

If you missed Day one, just go back to the last post.  You can view them out of order, so you can finish reading this one first.  Just to recap, I recently made another trip to the Midway Antique Mall and am showing off the items I passed up, but found interesting to take pictures of.  The final day will be the items I did end up purchasing.  So with that out of the way, let's begin.


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Kick The Fleas Off Part 1

The past few weeks I've been more or less a homebody.  In fact, besides going and cleaning our house out, I haven't been elsewhere but maybe Walmart a couple times (outside of going to the doctor and dentist).  My mom has been working a lot lately and on days off usually keeps busy as well.  I mentioned to her we should go to the Midway Antique Mall and check it out since we haven't been in a few months.  I also told her we should clean out the house more which is kinda a big priority right now.  She agreed, we needed to just relax and go to Midway.

So I took a bunch of pictures and have enough ammo for three days of posts.  The first two days are items I passed up, and day three is what I ended up buying.  There is usually a lot of interesting items I want, but either know I don't need, or just out of my price range (some by a couple bucks, some by lots of bucks).  Either way, I thought it would be fun to show some of it.


Part of the reasons I wanted to go was because I heard they was remodeling and expanding, and even got a paint job.  In truth, nothing really showed different aside from the building being painted and sounds of tools being used behind closed doors (the same doors we had to enter from last time while they redid their driveway, which still needs work done).  If I was by myself and didn't stop to take pictures, I could have been in and out within a couple hours I bet, but we usually take our time, and since I take pictures now, it took us a little over 4 hours.  It seems like a long time, but it flies by.  The building is the size of a Walmart, so its not exactly small, and unlike Walmart, things aren't all nice and sold in sections.  I can only imagine how long we'll be once the expansion opens.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Time to play Ketchup... wait, I said that wrong.

It's been a bit since my last post. In that time I've been recovering from tooth pain, and had a checkup.  Given the options of a root canal to save the tooth, or have it removed, I chose to remove it.  However, I concede that I cant sit still for long periods of time, so being told I could be numb but awake for the procedure (or two procedures if the teeth cutting doesn't go right), or be put to sleep and get it done, I chose to go to sleep.  With that option, I now have to go to another dentist.  So now I have to wait about 3 weeks for another visit, then the actual procedure.  It sounds like a lot, but luckily my pain medication has made me feel a lot better while I wait.  At least I'm not holding washcloths against my face, constantly swishing water in my mouth, and finally getting some sleep.  In fact, I've been sleeping a lot since taking this medication.  Which is a far cry from being awake 3 straight days in pain.

So while I feel a bit better and wanting to do a bit more, I have been busy this week.  Aside from taking care of other matters, I have worked on a couple projects I've been wanting to do for a while, and also scanned some cards for the Trading Card Database (in addition to verifying teams on the site too).  It has been fun but also a bit aggravating at times too.  For whatever reason, I decided to work on the two big projects right as the NCAA tournament started.  This year I filled out three brackets, but I am more of a proponent of "WATCH FOR THE GAME, NOT FOR THE BRACKET!". Sure you have favorite teams, but most people get lost in how they are doing in the brackets to enjoy the game.  Case in point is that I was upset Yale beat Baylor because it hurt my bracket instead of enjoying the game itself.  I had Baylor make it to the final four this year, and it ruined my bracket, and in turn bummed me out.  I should have taken my own advice and watched for the game, not the bracket.  This year has had some very exciting matchups and despite some lopsided halftime scores, most of the games have been close.  Yesterday I almost gave up on Wichita State when losing 21-2 or whatever it was, but stuck around and the Shockers made it a game.  Same with Yale down by 27 to Duke, I almost turned it because I don't really care for either team.  I didn't and Yale made it a game.  The point is March has exciting basketball, and you should never count teams out before the final buzzer, and yeah, throw the brackets away and enjoy the games.

That isn't why I'm posting today, my post is to show the projects I've finished.  This first one is kind of a "if I screw it up, I can toss it" project.  I had three tables, and really didn't need any and with not a lot of space, I was content on tossing them.  However, I didn't really like what my TV was sitting on, so I thought maybe I could turn three tables into one, and make somewhat of an entertainment center.  If I screwed it up, I could toss it, so I started on Thursday morning.  I did prep work before that though.  I took apart the biggest table first, which I didn't take pictures of beforehand.  Though I did take pics of one of the smaller tables.


I had two of these tables, and didn't have a use for them.  What I decided to do was take the top part off (just the flat surface) and then place the top piece of the large table on top.  I figured it would stretch and since it was one piece, I'd have enough room to set my VHS/DVD recorder and Xbox inside of it.  Right now its on a stand with no room for both.

So I took the top flat surface off, it was pretty easy, just unscrewed like 6 screws from underneath.  At this point I decided to see if the large flat surface I had would fit on top.  Sitting the tables side by side, I realized the larger flat surface was just a bit smaller then where the boxes would be (they held drawers before I did this project).  So I had to choose, should I add a piece of wood to both sides so there wasn't any holes, or do I move one of the boxes over.  I decided that I didn't want a lip and didn't have extra pieces of wood, so I decided to move one of the boxes.

So it took a while but I got one of the boxes moved.  From there it was simply drilling the top board in place.  Simply doesn't compute with me on projects.  I misaligned the holes, and the drill I had was a cordless that had no power.  I had to recharge it every 2 minutes.  In the end I got it done a bit quicker than I thought, but its not a pristine piece of furniture.  However, I like how it turned out despite what could be described as cutting corners.


You can see the right side where I had to move one of the boxes. When I did, I put the pieces back on upside down, so it doesn't match. I can live with that.  If you look close you can see a gap between the two tables in the middle, that upsets me a bit, but I can live with that.  My biggest concerns is the extra holes I drilled, and the fact that even after putting the screws in better spots, the top flat surface still didn't tighten up, so it is just a bit loose.  Don't get me wrong, it still holds great and everything, I just am a bit of a perfectionist and wanted it perfect.

Having said all that, I really like how it turned out.  Sure I should have centered it, but with the extra space on the right side, I can put my router for my computer, and as seen some blank discs.  The center still holds both the Xbox and the VHS/DVD recorder without moving them each time, and the top still has plenty of room to hold other things besides the TV.  It has space underneath as well, so that is also a plus.  It sits just a bit lower than I wanted, but to be fair, what the TV used to be on had some height adjusters underneath, so it sets the same height as that would have normally.  I could put the adjusters under this, but I only have 4 and would like to put them under all 8 legs for optimal support.


As you can see, it doesn't look professional, but I like it nonetheless.  I thought about painting it, or even touching it up in spots, but my mom said she likes it this way.  Combined with the fact I had no paint on hand, this is the finished product.  If for whatever reason, I wanted to move the Xbox or Recorder, there is still space to slide them over too.  Now I need to decide what to put next to the TV with all the extra space.

So I did that all on Thursday.  On Friday I decided to work on another project.  This was another one I have wanted to do for a while, but wanted to paint and again, I had no paint.  I did finally get some sandpaper, so I figured at worst I could sand it, and paint it later.

I've had an old dart board that I was going to toss.  In fact, I did toss the dart board, but the cabinet it was held in, I thought would be a great DIY project.  I always want to turn stuff into something else, and do some DIY stuff but never do.  I wish I was more motivated in my younger days to do more DIY stuff, then I would be more motivated now.  However, I did complete this project.

I sanded it down how I wanted it first.  I had already took the doors off and all the hinges and magnetic pieces.  Next all I had to do was drill a couple boards on it then I was done.  My drill still didn't hold power so it took forever.  That was fine since it gave me some ideas.  First the board pieces I had in mind were too big, so since I had time, I looked around and found a couple smaller pieces that worked better.  Then I didn't like the backing so I took it off and flipped it (the inside felt like pegboard, and the backside was smooth, I wanted the smooth side inside).  If I didn't flip that, it would be done a lot sooner, but oh well.  Finally I got the holes drilled and the back screwed back on.  This didn't take as long as the table, but again, if I was more dedicated and took my time, it would have come out a lot better.

Here is what I made.


I've wanted a display for a few of my cards for a while, so I finally made one.  The bottom left corner you cane see the box is slightly cut.  When I was using the larger pieces at first, I tried to cut them down, and in the process I cut part of the box.  Really just the surface, but you can still tell.  Also on the bottom you only see four cards unlike the five in the other rows.  The bottom left when I put the back back on, started to mess up, so a piece of the bottom now sticks out (thanks to the screw I put in it).  If I had nails I would have hammered it in, but I didn't.  If I was patient, I could have waited to go and get my staple gun, but I didn't.  So this is the finished product.  It still holds 14, which is good enough.  Another downside is I can't hang it because the nuts holding the boards in place are too long, so until I find smaller ones, it will have to sit somewhere.


Now you can see where the screw went through in the bottom.  As I said, I still like it, but if get some other stuff done, then have the time and find some better wood, I will make a new one from scratch.  Its something I've always wanted to make anyways, so I think it could be fun.  For now, I will probably rotate what cards I have on display, but for testing it out, I just put some of my better Royals cards.  Mostly autographs, but depending on the mood, it could be anything from now on.  It could also come in handy when showing off Listia wins.  In fact, if I do make a new one from scratch, this might be used just to display newest additions to my collection or to take photos.

So with no place to hang it, I needed a good spot to set it for now.  I think I solved that problem the day before.


It seems to work just right for now.  The TV is off center now, but it won't be permanent, so for now it will do.  So two projects done in two days, and I'm pretty happy.  If I had more ideas, I would do more projects.  As for now, I only have one more project on the horizon and I'm keeping it semi-secret for now.  All I'll say is it involves sports cards.  If I get it done how I want it, it will turn out great and will be my favorite.  Even if it turns out semi good, I'll still be happy.  It will likely take a bit to do it though since the weather is getting nicer and I still have other stuff to do in addition to getting my teeth worked on.  Plus all bets will be off once baseball season begins, which is fast approaching.  Sure Spring Training started, but once Opening Day hits, that will be my focus.

Thanks for reading, and its great to be blogging again.  I know I am way behind pace of last year, so that goal likely won't be met, but in a few weeks I might give an update on my goals, and I think I've finished a couple, so things are looking great.  Have a great weekend, and if your team is still in the NCAA tourney, I wish them the best.  If your team is out, WATCH FOR THE GAME, NOT FOR THE BRACKET!

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Reading is FUN-damental

This won't be long, I haven't felt good lately and need a tooth pulled.  I was up almost 3 days without sleep and finally today I got sleep. I think I took too much cough syrup and am a bit groggy though.  I have to wait until Monday for the dentist can see me, but might get it moved up. It sucks, but I don't want anyone to worry about me (but if you are the type to say prayers, I wouldn't be against it).

It has delayed me in doing some projects and more house cleaning, which is kinda important as someone may be buying our old house I need to move stuff out fairly quick.  I knew this, but since I'm not up to it, it will have to wait.  I hope to find some goodies for future posts and talking about it soon.

In the meantime, I wanted to give a quick update on why I haven't posted much, but also wanted to urge my readers to take some time and read some other blogs.  I love reading blogs, and find some cool stuff doing so.  I've read a couple tonight, but hope to be reading more once I feel better.  As a community, bloggers are some of the most loyal and nicest people I've ever met, so the least I can do is ask you to read some.  Maybe find a few you like and bookmark them.  Mine range from of course trading cards, but also a food critic, a local sportswriter, 80's and 90s toys and such, and a lot more.  You never know what you will find in a blog, so take a few minutes and read a few.  If you need suggestions, do what I do, click a random blog on my list to the side and read it, once you are done, do the same on theirs.  Thats how I found many bloggers at first.   Another option is going to google and type a topic and blog and see what comes up, maybe something cool.

I'm getting tired again, so I'll go, but I hope to be writing again soon, or at least some more cleaning. Thanks for reading and have a great night.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Odds and Ends and Listia

I've been sidetracked the last couple days doing some cleaning, and working on a couple projects.  One of which is progressing a bit faster than I thought.  When I finish it, it will be showcased on here, as it is related to trading cards.  Actually two projects I'm working on are related to cards.  A third project is a nightmare waiting to happen, but I'll have fun doing it.  In the meantime, lets look at some cards.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Birthday gifts and Listia surprises

Last month was my birthday, I didn't make much of a big deal about it and didn't really want anyone else to either.  I wasn't that that I'm getting older and don't want to be reminded of it, I just didn't have plans and well, didn't want to be reminded of it.  It was cool though and it allowed me to do some stuff I wanted and needed to get done anyways, so it all worked out.  Now I'm almost caught up with my collection, and have even contemplated working on some projects around the house after watching some DIY shows.  I've also been going though a bunch of stuff of mine and getting rid of stuff I don't need in an attempt to downsize.  Its a slower process than I am hoping, but the progress I make is pretty big so again, I'm happy.

I had some stuff I wanted to give to my friend so I stopped by his place a couple days before my birthday to drop it off, and he actually got me something for my birthday (which for the record is also Valentine's Day).  I never expect anything, but when he gives you gifts, you can't help to be amazed at how he finds some of this stuff, and usually how frugal he can get it.


A JOHNNY DAMON AUTOGRAPHED CARD?  Are you kidding me?  This is also the perfect card to get signed too.  I was amazed he found one, and he even said it was cheap (his definition of cheap varies from mine, but I figure he didn't spend very much on it).  I would be happy with an autographed card of any type of Damon, but having it Royals related makes it the best.  I also already have a copy of this card, so I don't have to search for another one.  Speaking of Damon, I recently updated my Damon cards, and at about the 100 card mark.  I have mostly Royals, and a good amount of Red Sox and Yankees, but I could improve my Indians, Rays, Tigers, and A's cards.  It would be nice to get to 150 or so by the end of the year, but I'm not trying to push too much since I have a lot of other stuff I want to get done (non-card related), so I'd like to spend my time on that.  Once that clears up, maybe I will try again.

Beside the beautiful Damon card is a unopened complete set of Coca Cola's Monsters of The Gridiron 1994 Football cards.  I've mentioned in the past its a set I was trying to complete, and may have mentioned its one I'd like to finish without any help.  My friend told me he found a cheap auction with two complete sets, and he kept one.  So besides it being a gift, I'm not turning it down.  Initially I thought about opening the cards to showcase them, but I think instead I will keep the package sealed.  I usually can never keep stuff sealed, but this gives me a chance to still complete the set by myself, and it gives me an unopened pack to boot.  I think I'm about halfway done with the set anyways, so if I try hard enough, I should get most of it completed by the end of the year, again, once I finish outside projects.

I would love for Coca Cola to bring back this set again, and I think it would be an amazing marketing ploy. Everyone says crazes comes and goes, and aside from gaming cards, its been a while since major companies used trading cards as a way to entice consumers.  Who knows, maybe it could spark the hobby again.  Speaking of which, I'm happy to hear Panini has the license to NASCAR, I can't wait to see those cards.  Also, does anyone know if Topps is releasing Olympic cards this year?  I usually hear something I think by now, but haven't this year.  I wasn't a fan of their last set they made, but who knows maybe if they make new ones I might like them.

Since I'm scarce on scans today for the topic I thought I'd show off a couple more on recent Listia wins.


I won the Carlos Beltran card a while back after I updated my Royals collection and saw I didn't have it.  When it came, the seller threw in some other Royals cards.  Most of the other cards I had, but the Phil Hiatt was one I needed.  So it was pretty cool to not only get bonus cards, but one that I needed anyways.  The Beltran card actually was my first Royals card in that set, so it allowed me to add another set to what I have.  In the coming weeks I might make a Just Commons order to fill some of those sets in (also gives me a chance to add some more Damons too).

This final scan is a mixed bag.


Let the record show that I don't really collect Benchwarmer cards.  However I see them pop up quite often on Listia, and for the most part they get too pricey for me.  When I made a list of goals for 2016, one goal I had but forgot to mention was to add a Benchwarmer card to my collection.  The only catch was that the card had to depict baseball on it.  For those unaware, Benchwarmer cards depict many topics, but the majority is sports.  They get half naked girls and put them on cardboard.   I would have like to have gotten an autographed card, again it didn't matter of who as long as baseball was depicted on it.  Those go for crazy prices to me, but this one nobody bid on and the starting bid was 399 credits with under an hour to go.  I placed my bid and was shocked to see I won as the only bidder a short time later.  With this out of my way, I might look for an autographed card cheap, but otherwise I have no interest in getting anymore from this set which has been coming out since 1993.  The only exception is if I find some cheap ones of Maria Kannalis who I kinda have a thing for.

The other card I also got cheap.  And you must ask yourself "WHO BETTER THAN KANYON?"  If you answered NOBODY, then cool, we both liked WCW, if you had no clue, that was one of Kanyon's catchphrases.  This WCW card is from their 1998 set I believe, maybe their 1999 set (I confuse them, I have a few of both).  I didn't get it on the basis that I'm a huge fan of Kanyon, though I did like him.  I got it because it was cheap, and because I like the late 90's sets WCW produced.  While I have nowhere near a complete set of the 1998 Topps, 1999 Topps, or the 1999 Topps Embossed sets, if I find them cheap here and there, I will pick away at them.  This particular set actually had a Jay Leno trading card, and I owned it at one time.  One day I would like to finish all three complete sets, but I'm a bit conflicted because I really don't want to expand my wrestling card collection much.  From here on out I think I'm going to pick up cards bit by bit instead of buying packs, to cut down on doubles or cards I really don't want.

I think this is a good stopping point for tonight, I have a few things I need to finish tonight, and might binge watch more of a late 90's TV Drama I found on Youtube the last couple days (Savannah was my show in 1996 and 1997 thanks to Jamie Lunar).  Thanks for reading and have a great night.