LEGO

Do you ever think something isn’t for you, then suddenly you get it. Well that has been my attitude towards Lego. The movie was cool, but the set were kind of small. They're going to do Mario, oh but it's not the traditional kind of sets. That looks cool, it’s £300! That has been my attitude towards it for such a long time. Oh how suddenly things change. 

One year ago I was walking around in Smyths Toys, I was doing some early birthday or christmas shopping, and I walked down the Lego elise. As always I looked at the sets and wondered if I was going to get one, what would it be? Then I messaged my friend who is super into Lego and asked, he told me which one I should get, but I wasn’t sure so iI walked away. A couple weeks later, I saw news that the Sonic set would be retiring. So I took the plunge and ordered it, and that's where it all started. 

One Lego set was done, on the shelf and I got it. I got the hype. It is something you have done, put together and now you have a nice looking figure on your shelf. An expensive bit of configured plastic, but it's there. Of course, after one I didn't know where I wanted to go. I looked and saw all kinds of sets, Video games, movies, TV, and just generally cool looking things. I didn't know where to start. I made a list and have been working on it every since. 

The thing about my love for this product hasn’t come from nowhere. It has always been something I wanted. Like many things when I was younger, money had always been a big reason why I had missed out. I don’t blame anyone, it's how life works. Now I am an adult, I can use my hard earned money to right some of the wrongs I've had before. As one of the things i’ve always wanted was the Lego Hogwarts Castle. Now I have a version of it, and maybe i'll get the other. 

I am not going to lie and say, social media hasn’t been a big influence on me getting more and more sets. With so many people writing reviews, showing off sets, it has made me want certain sets I didn’t want. What also has been a great influence on me is the people around me. Of course the kids in my life love Lego, as I have gotten it for them. Now it's an easy gift I can get, and something we can do together. While also comparing what sets me and my friend both want, and go to the Lego store for. While also finding out my brother had enjoyed his dance with set building. My Orchid set has become a nice replacement for dying plants at the top of the stairs, which my mum seems to like. 

Do I think I have gone a little crazy with this STAN? I know I have. Admitting it is the first step. But it's one I am okay with. At one point I had more sets than i bult, but since I'm a teacher, the summer holidays are a nice time to build a couple of sets. But what’s more comforting, I am not worried about the cost. As so many places sell sets and there are constantly deals. I have no issue with me putting £50 on a set down from £90. 

The thing is I haven’t really gotten any expensive sets yet. I mean The Avengers tower looks great, and it would make a wonderful Christmas gift to me, but we will see. But my issue with it and a lot of the biggest sets is space. It is one of the main reasons why I redecorated my bedroom. To have more space to display all the sets. Which sadly hasn’t worked. As all the space I have is not enough for the giant size of some of these sets. Then the question becomes, what don't I stop?

The answer is very simple, I don't want to. Mainly because Lego knows how to keep their profits up, and keep collectors hooked. Limited availability. Some sets are only available for a certain amount of time before they are discontinued. Sadly in the beginning I waited around too long for some sets, and now I can no longer get them. Unless I am willing to pay over RRP for them. I might be willing for the Central Perk, but for a couple of others, maybe not. Which is why I would rather grab a set when I can, and not have to hear it is no longer available. 

Like a lot of my other stans there is so much cross media with this one, it allows me to enjoy this on so many different levels. As we have the video games. Which is odd in itself, as I started Lego Marvel Superheroes over ten years ago, or played the demo I forgot and never got around to playing it. I’ve had Lego Harry Potter for a long time, but still its shrink wrapped. I’ve watched Let's Plays of Lego Jurassic World, yet not got the game myself. I think i’ve always viewed these games as multiplayer experience. However, I think I could still have fun on my own, and maybe play a game with one or two of my Lego friends. 

Then of course there are the movies. I know there have been four big budget blockbusters, which I own. I have the Lego movie on DVD and Blu Ray. I enjoyed both Batman and Ninjago enough. But I thought at the time, these movies are fun, but it would be more fun if i had the enjoyment of enjoying the product they are promoting. Which is for this reason I have decided to go back and look at the Lego Movie, and Part 2. 

I honestly don't know when my Lego collection is going to stop. I know I will buy sets that I think will look cool. I will get sets based on things I have an interest in. I am not worried about space. I will find space for it. Even if it means moving things into other rooms. If I want it I will get it. Now I don't see myself buying a tub of bricks and making something, and submitting it. However, if there happens to be bricks about, I will have a go  and see what I can make. Will I visit LEGOLAND? Maybe, I've been meaning to go since I was little, but I guess for me now it's more about seeing the buildings and shopping than rides, but we’ll see. 

All I know is it took me too long to get into this. Maybe in a way it is a blessing, as now I can freely afford it, and call myself an adult collector. Rather, having older sets with parts missing over the years. All I know is I enjoy it, and it certainly is awesome!