PHOTO BY MEMy eyes glisten with excitement every time I walk into a toy shop. I am hit with high-intensity nostalgia that envelopes me and I want to spend all of my money!
If I was ever in doubt that I was a nerd, these past few weeks have confirmed my long-held suspicion. My newly found hobby is buying games--board/games (and toys), and it all started as an attempt to spend time with my wife.
My wife and I live very normal lives. We are fortunate to have jobs that take little of our time, but unfortunately happen to be very physically demanding. So while we get to work 2-3 weekly, we spend the rest of the week trying to recover from all the strain on our bodies. This puts us in a situation were we want to spend time alone rather than together.
Most times when we are alone, we are spending that time online watching TikToks or scrolling through time. I want to spend less time online. Asides from the fact that social media is filled with a lot of bullshit, I don't care about a lot things anymore. I just want to spend more time being present with the people who matter to me (or at least with myself).
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
So, during the last festive season, I took the initiative to get some board games as we were expecting visitors. We do not have any form of entertainment in the house (we don't have a television, and my wife doesn't want me to get one), so I had to figure out something fun and ended up buying some cards and a new game—Rummikub (which my wife likes, fortunately).
The following week, I was itching to get something new (because I have a shopping addiction—as my wife frequently points out). After an hour-long search, I found this store online where I could purchase a chessboard and I decided to visit it physically to make my purchase. This decision led me to the pattern I am in now.
I went in search of a chessboard and found a new haven. It took me 30 years and flying to another country to visit a comic bookstore. I have been to several bookstores in Nigeria but never a comic bookstore. It was everything I expected. There were so many toys and games (from my favorite TV shows) for a young adult like myself (well, I think so because I am basically going to buy as much as I can afford), but it did not stop there. I also discovered another store where I could find even more exciting toys and games, so yes, I have found another interesting way of living up to consumerism ideals.
PHOTO BY MECONCLUSION
I wish there was some lesson to learn, but I am just here to express my excitement. It feels good being able to afford the things that make you temporarily happy without stress. This is what I love about my new life.
