A certain ex of mine has been getting tons of press lately. He is one of a small group of national finalists in a competition to become one of Lego's master builders -- basically, someone who gets paid to build things with Lego all day. This has been one of his lifelong dreams -- when we lived together, we had Lego all over our apartment, which I very often had to explain to visitors. But his persistence and enthusiasm has paid off. Please join me in wishing him best of luck as he heads to San Diego next week to compete against the other finalists. If you're interested, you can view some of his Lego creations in his gallery.
It's always hard to read about one's exes, especially since the nationally syndicated article prominently mentions his current girlfriend. But I'm used to this -- I had the lovely experience of reading about another ex's wedding in the New York Times. I knew he was getting married, so this was no surprise to me, but I had to read, in excruciating detail, how he was "eager to propose" and exactly how he proposed to her. Made me want to barf. Sometimes I think it would be easiest if, once you stopped dating someone, he would just sort of vaporize, so you'd never have to hear about their current romantic relationships. But someday, I figure, they'll have to read all about me and my boyfriend/husband. Granted, they will have to use bifocals or read it in the large print edition of the Times at the rate I'm going . . .oy.
* Not to be confused with the X-Files.
what made you want to barf?
Posted by: Fran | January 17, 2004 at 11:13 PM
What made me want to barf? Are you kidding? Did you click on the link and actually read the announcement? That, in and of itself should be enough. If it's not, just imagine that you're reading about someone you dated for over 6 years of your early adult life. That should do it.
Posted by: Laren | January 18, 2004 at 11:48 AM
i almost barfed reading it and i don't even know those people...
Posted by: franny | January 18, 2004 at 05:32 PM
Legos give me a hard on.
Posted by: Jeremy | January 18, 2004 at 07:25 PM
Dear readers -- just wanted to keep you in the loop. "Fran" (not to be confused with Franny) made a comment, which I originally deleted because I thought it wasn't in the light, humorous, communal spirit of my blog. I had wanted to respond to her offline, but apparently she used a fake, nonworking email address (nice!), so I will post my response here. And next time -- if you're going to say something nasty, at least have the guts to leave a working email address.
Her comment:
>From: frababy3490@hotmail.com
>To: nyc_whim@hotmail.com
>Subject: [Sweet Blog o' Mine] New Comment Posted to 'The Ex-Files*'
>Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 08:28:56 -0800 (PST)
>
>A new comment has been posted on your blog Sweet Blog o' Mine, on the post
>The Ex-Files*.
>http://laren.blogs.com/sweet_blog_o_mine/2004/01/the_exfiles.html
>
>IP Address: 24.193.220.94
>Name: Fran
>Email Address: frababy3490@hotmail.com
>URL:
>
>Comments:
>
>I read the annoucement. Get over it. How long ago did you date this guy? His wife's father is dead and you think you need to make fun of their story? That's pathetic.
>
My response
A) I'm not "making fun" of the story -- just pointing out how it feels from an ex's perspective
B) I guess I'm pathetic -- oh well. It's not like I'm losing sleep over it or anything -- it was years ago. It seemed similar to the story I was highlighting, so I added it to the post.
and most importantly, C) If you don't like my humor, no need to read my blog, and certainly no need to insult me. So far, my blog has been a very happy place, and I intend to keep it that way.
Have a lovely day.
--L
Posted by: Laren | January 20, 2004 at 01:54 PM
Just to get back on track here -
You dated the Corporate Lawyer Who Wants To Chuck It All And Build With Lego? Trippy.
I've been following this story since it popped up in the L.A. Times - being a bit of a Lego geek myself. When are they making their decision?
Posted by: Brad | January 20, 2004 at 02:31 PM
My blurker speaks! ;-) (and thanks to Brad for teaching me the term "blurker")
Yes -- I dated him, and we're still in touch. I truly hope that he can chuck the corporate lawyer thing because it never really suited him, whether or not he wins the Lego competition. Personally, I think he'll win. No doubt. The finals are this week out in San Diego, so keep your fingers crossed!
Posted by: Laren | January 20, 2004 at 02:36 PM
fran is ruining my good name. i wonder if s/he's a friend of one of the parties involved.
Posted by: franny | January 20, 2004 at 03:40 PM
Franny -- I had the same thought myself . . . hmmm.
Posted by: Laren | January 21, 2004 at 12:29 AM
Along the same vein as a blurker, is this Fran a bl-troll? It doesn't have that nice ring to it. Hmm. Does that mean Brad de-blurked? Hee, "de-blurked".
Wow, a Lego Master Builder! How cool! Check out this site, the Brick Testament (the Bible in Legos).
http://www.thereverend.com/brick_testament/
Posted by: erika | January 22, 2004 at 11:27 AM
I totally understand how you feel about the 'ex' getting married and I think all or almost all women do .... there is always a little spot for them - even when we are long over them. You know their quirks - probably all too well. I find some negative people looks for things to gripe about on other people's blogs. Cowardly as it may be when they don't give you the option to challenge them.
Posted by: Wendy | January 22, 2004 at 08:16 PM