Statues binge!

I have sort of lost track with toys collection, especially with all the production delays thanks to COVID. However, it seemed that COVID is over now and things are getting back to normal. Somehow this morning was the first time -after a looong time- a Tsume-related post appeared on my facebook newsfeed. The pre-order for HQS+ Ikki just started yesterday and although I did not collect HQS+, that post poked me to check out if there have been other development. To my horror, I missed Aries Mu HQS whose pre-order opened in late January and was already sold out, including in the local shop (Figmation) where I have been getting my Tsume statues of.

As I was searching for alternative toy shop, I even came across other licensed Saint Seiya statues. I was tempted to get Aries Mu from Zodiakos, which also comes with Kiki, as an alternative since I missed Tsume HQS. Thank God, Figmation was somehow able to find me a pre-order slot so I managed to get one.

I also found out that Tsume also had the pre-orders for Ikigai series of Virgo Shaka and Alioth Epsilon Fenrir in December last year. Like wow.. suddenly there are so many incoming things. I am not interested in the no famous character such as this Fenrir who I cannot even remember in which arc he appears. Lol. Virgo Shaka HQS is the very first Tsume statue I own and I do not intend to collect duplicate. Nonetheless, I decided to also get the Ikigai since my HQS statue is already in a bad state due to its age as well as the older technology and material to produce it. The gold cloth has lost its shimmer (even though it is displayed in exactly same table as my other Saint Seiya HQS statues). When I am dusting, I know some parts are coming apart thanks to somehow its very heavy torso. As I mentioned, older technology. In case the HQS is really a goner, at least I have the Ikigai as a replacement. Since it was also already sold out, I would not be too upset if I could not get one but Figmation was able to find an extra stock for me too. Hehe..

Unfortunately, the search for Aries Mu HQS also resulted in collateral damages. It made me discover other shops and miscellaneous garage kits. Bleah.. I never looked into garage kits anymore after my disastrious attempt 1 and attempt 2 few years ago. Sigh too bad I am so into Genshin Impact nowadays that I don't mind taking a chance with garage kits again. Let's see how they turn out.

It is so scary how I just blew few thousands within a day, despite many months of not looking and buying toys. This reminds me of my Lenten failure again: tahan all the temptations for several days and they all come back with a vengeance once I fail to resist.

Trip to the Holy Land (Discernment)

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I have the curiosity and the desire to visit the Holy Land. When I knew that previously Landings had ever organised such trip, I wondered when it would happen again. My prayer has been answered as there will be one this year. However when it was announced, I started to have second thoughts because of the cost, time (whether my boss would allow me to take leave since it will be close to the usual end of year appraisal periods) and visa.

Initially I did not my name, not even to the 'discerning' list, but I still attended the online briefing session. After seeing some photos of the places from the previous trip, all my touristy desires disappeared. Honestly, the places are not pretty and it is like going to some kampong. That is actually not a bad thing since I will not be to preoccupied with taking photos and I can have the pilgrim mindset, rather than a tourist mindset.

On the other side, I had new worry after seeing those attending the briefing. I hardly know any of them and there are some that I prefer to avoid. Hence, who would I be sharing room with if I were to go? And similar to the trip that my parents had before COVID, generally people who are interested to go to the Holy Land are the older people. It is true to the notion that we prefer to have fun and go to touristy destination when we are young. We only start thinking about pilgrimage when we are nearer to the end of life. By then the body may already be old and sick and may not be the best for the terrain there. It got me thinking that I should go while my body is still able. A part of me also felt regretful that I did not join my parents a few years ago and that would have been my last trip with my dad.

In addition, as part of the pilgrimage experience, everyone is expected to contribute in the things that will be required or we will do such as daily Mass, sharing, reflections, publications. Seeing the lack of young people and males, perhaps I would have the chance to be an altar server? Hahaha.. That is something I never experience and it will be another once-in-a-lifetime experience on top of the pilgrimage itself.

Before I went on leave, I decided to try my luck asking my boss if I would be allowed to take leave during the period. I was surprised that my boss was so excited and encouraged me to go while I have the opportunity since it is not a typical tourist place that people would go. Wow, even God helps to clear this obstacle.

During this holiday doing nothing at home, I make up my mind that the cost is not an issue. I will earn back the money but the opportunity may not come again. While yes it is much more expensive than what my parents paid for their trip, it is not surprising since all the air tickets this year are still so expensive regardless of the destination.

The biggest bug bear is the visa application, especially with one of the required documents which I don't know how to get: an invitation letter from someone in Israel. I decided to ask the person organising and he shared not to worry since there were Indonesians who joined the trip before. The travel agency organising this will get the letter. Since Singaporeans also require visa to Jordan, that will be taken care for the whole group. With that, the last of my worries are settled. I decided to go and I am glad that it is not too late for me and I am still within the quota of 30 people.

So for now, all that I can do is praying so that I can get my visa, I can have a good roommate and I can have memorable and God-filled experience there, especially if I really have a chance to be an altar server. Hehe.. I have done playing music, being a lector, and writing bulletins so these 'areas of contributions' are not that exciting for me.