Alex Surprises His Old Man

Sorry, Savage, I wish Alex could surprise you there at Old Man Musings. But this story, the ladykiller has done something not completely unexpected just how it happened it shocked me. The other night, the two of us were sitting on the floor playing. The wifey was working late. Alex was at the TV, doing what he loves to do, push the on/off on the TV. I usually tell him to get away from it and this time was no different. He looked over at me, walked towards me and plopped on my belly. For a minute, I didn't realize what happened. When it did, my jaw dropped. and Alex looked over and smiled his silly smile. Did YOU realize what happened? Here. Watch this:

So, now he's on the go. Michelle wasn't angry at all that she missed his first steps. Actually, when she got home that night, the midget walked right up to her and grabbed her legs. He's growing up. That means its time to lock cabinets and doors so he can't get into trouble. Oh, wait... I think that's too late. Catch you on the flipside!

Next Time: Stimulus Package!

My Toy Collection: A Journey Into Geekdom

I collect toys. I've done it most my life. Call me what you will, but that's who I am. Before I go any further, let me say this, I would give it all up, in a heartbeat if the wifey said to choose between her and Alex. I won't put them ahead of my wife and kid. That would be a sign of immaturity. I may not act my age, but I know what's important in life. With that said, here we go!
I have say my toy collecting started with the Star Wars line. I have some of the original 1977 to 1983 run, but most of it is the 1995 to present line. My pride of that collection is the my favorite vehicle from the movie saga is the many versions of the All Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT). I'd love to have one just to go to work each day. Bad thing is I'd probably trip somewhere along the way.

The Transformers that I got range from 1984 to present, including some from the new cartoon on Cartoon Network. I keep most in two drawers and the ones on display are my favorite.

I know G.I. Joe has been out since the sixties, but in my book the 3 3/4 inch line has been the best til about 1988. Now about two years ago, Hasbro has started remaking these figures and I couldn't be more happy.

About 1989, the Mega Force line was introduced. The Triax fought the V-Roc with futuristic base vehicles with features like missile launchers and swinging arms. They had miniature tanks, helicopters, jets and V-Tol jets made from die-cast metal (it's a dying art).

I got a bunch of DC Comics figures from 1985 to present day. Of course, my collection isn't complete without the greatest superhero ever - The Green Lantern.

Spanning over 30 years, the Japanese cartoon inspired Gundam, caught my attention back at the beginning of the decade. Most of these toys were poseable models you built from scratch.

On top of my bookcase is just a bunch of mix matched series of toys I've picked up over the years during my travels. A lot have come from my trips to California. I wouldn't be much of a videogame geek without Mario, Luigi and some Pokemon. Funny that they're next to Gumby and Pokey, the greatest Claymation stars ever.
When it comes down to it, I guess my toy collecting comes from my dad. He has over 300 toy tractors.

Why do I collect toys? I got a few reasons. First, sentimental. I couldn't get these when I was a boy and now that I'm older and (not lately, anyway) I can afford them. Second, my father tells me when he leaves this world his tractors are going to my son. I feel the same way. When I go, they'll go to either him, or his son.

My collection is impressive by my standards, but over the years I've learned one thing.. There's always a bigger fish. In other words, someone out there has more than me. And I'm perfectly fine with that. Catch you on the flipside!

Next Time: Alex Surprises His Old Man

Current Events!

Ahh the sleep of the just.. Yeah, right. Hi, everybody! How are all you happy people doing? Here in the magical land of Schaeffer, we're happy, but things are tough, just like everything else. To be honest with you, right now, this fuzzball got it pretty easy. So, here we go... A little thing I'd like to call: CURRENT EVENTS!!!!

Item 1: The auction is still here, but sales are dropping slowly. Where we would have 8000 - 9000 cars, we're down to 5000 - 6000. My dealer friends tell me that used cars are selling but new aren't. Michelle is busy over at the Fulton Theatre. Right now, The Spitfire Grill is playing. After that is the comedy The Foreigner, then it's one of Michelle's favorite musicals. I call it Les Miserable, but if I don't see it she says, she'll be extremely grumpy and she's gonna hurt me. (I'm joking, honey... or am I?)

Item 2: Alex is Alex. He's trying to walk, but he's definitely a Schaeffer because he's got that stubbornness that is prevalent in my family. He needs another haircut.

Item 3: A couple months ago, I talked about the comic mini-series Watchmen and the movie that was coming out. Well I saw it and I really enjoyed it. Out of all the comic book based movies i've seen in my lifetime, this one was the most accurate adaptation. Only the ending was different, but, it worked extremely well with the overall story. It was the shortest 163 minutes i've sat thru. For some reason, I felt this movie had the same effect (ending wise) like another one of my favorite books turned into a movie, 2010.

Item 4: For some odd reason I've really enjoyed this season's TV shows. I've been watching too much I think.

Item 5: For you bonus monkeys at AIG, why? My wife and I are having a tough time making ends meet and you go and take our taxes and get happy. Honestly, nothing is gonna happen to anybody there. It's depressing.

So there you go. That it for this installment of Current Events. Hope you enjoyed it. Catch you on the flipside!

Next Time: Toys! (Yes, I've been trying to get this post written since last year.)

We're Baaack!

So, yeah I'm bad. I've neglected my duties. This post hopefully will make it up. We're okay, even if we are a little sick lately. Here's Alex's belated burfday pictures. Plus as an added bonus here is Alex after his second haircut. Don't worry, girls, it's growing back really fast and he still has the curls that made him famous. That's it for now. More very soon I promise.

Catch you on the flipside!

Next Time: Current Events