How Do You Stave Off a Grey Age?

[Paradosis]

I took a few months off from Lego to deal with some personal issues, the most significant of which was seperating from my wife, my wife/kids moving out, and my moving into a new place. Thankfully it's been a fairly peaceful process, at least as far as seperations/divorces go, with the major issue being that my family now lives 50 miles away from me. After a couple months I reached the point where I was ready to move on, at least in certain areas of my life. So a week or two ago I decided to get back into Lego again, and started following some online forums again. The problem is, I'm only half way into it, and I feel like I'm heading for a grey age.

I recently sold a musical instrument I wasn't using, and I had a couple hundred extra dollars to spend today. So I stopped by the Toys R Us expecting to buy some Lego (yeah, I know they had a sale recently, but I didn't have the money until after the sale was over). I expected to buy the Kings Castle Siege and Brickbeard's Bounty. I know the Castle Siege is an older set, but the last time I was in TRU they still had multiple sets on the shelves, so I figured they'd still have it. Well, they had a spot for the Castle Siege, but no sets on the shelves, so I couldn't get that one. Also, once it came down to it, I was having a difficult time with the idea of paying $110 for a 592 piece Pirate ship. I've paid more to get less before on eBay, but for some reason I just couldn't pull the trigger today. I also had little-to-no interest in any of the other sets TRU had (and my TRU has a fairly large selection). So I left the store empty handed.

I guess at this point I'm going to transfer some money to paypal and keep an eye on eBay... but I'm worried. What if I am indeed going into a grey age? Right now I need hobbies in my life to keep my mind occupied. What can I do to keep out of that situation where you pull back from the hobby for a few months--or longer? What has worked for you over the years? Any thoughts?

Edited October 2, 2009 by Paradosis

[5150 Lego]

Hi Paradosis.

First my deepest regrets to you. I'm sorry you had to through what you did. I'm not sure if your a religious man, but I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. You may find out later than sooner, but in due time, everything will fall back into place for you. Just be strong.

Now, as for the hobby. If you truly like the set, then i say go for it. Deals come up all the time, but its Rawley ever when your "looking" for one. Like you said, you missed the sale when you didn't have the money, or desire to purchase Lego. I'm like you and many others. I use Lego (among other hobbies) to "get away" from normal life. And to me, that's nothing you can put a price tag on.

I suffered a major accident over a year ago and am still paying the medical bills today. I have not been able to make any major LEGO purchases since. It sucks cause I'm constantly reminded about the difficulties when you have to pass the Lego Ilse every time you go to the store to get the essentials. I received some gift cards for Christmas last year, and used the last one to get the Racers Lamborghini LP560-4. I did a hut in every TRU, target, and wall mart in a 60 mile radius. After a week I gave up searching. Well last week i found it in a Target store buried some cleaning products! Let me tell you. Putting that together was the best feeling. If you have the means to get your mind off the situation at hand and feel it will benefit you emotionally, then go for it. The feeling you get after the set is done and complete will out weight waiting for the deal any day.

[Maegnus]

If none of the sets are wowing you, why not build your own MOC?

The only official sets I think are decent enough to display are the big modular houses.

[Peppermint_M]

I'm sorry to hear of your recent circumstances.

Lego as a hobby is an odd one to maintain. You build and build and spend lots of money on it. Then something occurs to put it into perspective (It is a childrens toy after all) and you put a subconciuse block in place (A grey age). About five years ago I had a grey age, my Lego had been put in the loft, my parents had issue with their teenaged daughter playing with Lego still and my peers were determined to make school life mental anguish. All this made me stop, loss of inspiration, loss of motivation. Eventually I got back into Lego by changing the way I "played" with it. A few new themes came along and I started getting them and building how I felt. Prior to this I had built lots of wacky themed town plans and castles, now I build space craft and SpecFic inspired things.

Maybe you should change what you MOC or if you only collect, why not take the plunge into MOCing? I know every mini "grey age" I fall into I always get out of after inspiration hits, or a new wave of sets pop up in shops.

I hope my suggestion helps. Don't worry if you can't bring yourself to spend that much on toys. You will find a set that will force open that rule

[Big Cam]

I think dealing with a divorce is something noe of us can help you with unless we have been through one, adn since most member are kids under 18, You're not going to get much help. As a married person, I am truely sorry that this happened to you.

I think you are right, you need hobbies to keep your mind off of the bad feelings.

We can't force you back into LEGO's or show you how to convince yourself to buy LEGO's because we are nt where you are. We will simply just say, DO it, you have the money and want the set. It will seem so simple to us but I understand how everything is probably a little depressing or doesn't mean as much anymore.

I think the only thing to help you is to maybe try it. Buy a small set, build it display it, do what you do, and see if it brings you joy. If not, then aybe it's time to hang up your LEGO suspenders. I certainly hope you don't, but you need to do what's good for you.

If LEGO doesn't do it, try something else. I again am sorry for the loss of your marriage, and I hope you find what makes you happy.

Cheers

[Stash2Sixx]

Sorry to hear about your situation, but let's see if we can help you out...

First of all, if you can help it, GTHO of TRU! Unless it is your only option, I really can't stand that place. If you really know what you want, and King's Castle Siege is worth every penny in parts, then go online and buy. It's tough to try and rationalize the price per piece ratio, so don't! If it's what you want, then do it. Have fun and enjoy life! That's why we love this hobby!

Otherwise, Ebay is not a bad place to go cruising either, but that is definitely one of those places where the really, really good deals are far and few between.

As for your grey age, relax; take it all in stride. Maybe you are ready, and maybe you aren't? Ever considering joining a LUG? Do you have one in your area? I have found my LEGO group, NILTC, to be a great source of friendship and people to talk with. I have also found that there are many LEGO fans around the world that I am happy to call my friends. If you really want to get back into LEGO, then stay with this site. Stories, conversation, inspiration, friends; this is a great place, it really is!

[I Scream Clone]

I am sorry to hear about your situation indeed. At this time it is important to try to stay in contact with your kids, not just for yourself but for the kids, they are probably going through the worst of it themselves. As for Lego, I prefer to hit Bricklink and get the pieces I need to create MOCs, though don't get me wrong sets are awesome too. This can be a great stimulation for the mind as you not only have to design sets but it is good fun perusing Bricklink for the best bulk prices for parts too.

Another idea, this depends on the age of the children, is to see if they would like to suggest themes you may wish to build with them, they would be quite excited to share in the constructive process and look forward to spending time with you on a project

As for your grey age, relax; take it all in stride. Maybe you are ready, and maybe you aren't? Ever considering joining a LUG? Do you have one in your area? I have found my LEGO group, NILTC, to be a great source of friendship and people to talk with. I have also found that there are many LEGO fans around the world that I am happy to call my friends. If you really want to get back into LEGO, then stay with this site. Stories, conversation, inspiration, friends; this is a great place, it really is!

A LUG is an excellent idea too. well worth hanging out like here, wit like minded Lego fans.

Good luck.

[Captain Green Hair]

Well i am a bit in a grey age myself at the moment, but i have a dozen of hobbies and i need to make choices to have time to relax a bit sometimes.

Right now i am mainly focussing on playing electric guitar.

I've seen my parents divorce and some family as well, never easy or fun situations to go through. (I can talk about the after math for days.)

I'll never go through one, as i'll never get married. (I think it is pointless)

What i'd like to say is do what you like to keep your mind occupied, if it's not Lego, it might be something else.

But please do have fun in whatever you do.