kcwagenseller

[kcwagenseller]

25 posts!

[kcwagenseller]

It's my 1 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

[kcwagenseller]

This is a blogging site. I have a domain here. kcwagenseller.blog. You can read my entries.

What's happening

I'm new here my friend just introduced me to this application

[kcwagenseller]

The future is so unknown… yet exhilarating all the same. Live with intensity and intention. Let’s not squander what little time we have left. — Alfa

#quotestagram #poetrylovers #poets #wordsonwords #wordsofwisdom #breakthecycle #alfapoet #poetry #Inspirationalquotes #typedaily #calmquotes #poemsofinstagram #love #goodvibes https://www.instagram.com/p/CB9hGXYha_1/?igshid=1vjt349mik2zz

[kcwagenseller]

A French Wine at an Italian Restaurant

I've spent the last five years going into the same Italian restaurant in town. It's the nicest restaurant in my bustling town, but I frequent lots of places. I love this town. And I love this restaurant. It's called "Tuscany's" after the region in Italy.

"KC...Wagen, you have my servers fighting on who gets to wait on you." while I call to put in my reservation at 3pm. "Yeah man, who you want." He says. I think about it for about 5 seconds and say, "I'll take your recommendation." I said "Sounds good. Casey will be waiting on you."

So I get to the restaurant, and Casey is upset. "You never told me you know Spanish." She said, with a huff. "You never asked," I said. So she asked to practice Spanish with me.

We spoke Spanish the whole meal. It was so nice. I had only recently practiced with my brother and a contractor that came by the house. I've been speaking off and on for about 25 years, so I am fluent. She was, too. Apparently, Spanish was her first language, so that was fun.

I ordered the usual, a Caesar salad to start with a Focaccia. Some places out west call it Bruschetta, but they call it Focaccia at Tuscany's.

I asked Mike for something special. Casey tried to open the bottle, but Mike had to come do it. He opened the bottle after I inspected it, and it was a French Bordeaux 2018. I highly coveted middle-grade bottle.

I told him, "I want to initial this bottle and I want you to hang it on the wall and put it on your wine list. People that know wine will know that bottle and come in here and want it."

He contemplated.

"Yeah sure. I will make it happen." He said.

Mike is always really cool. Other than finishing a couple cups of coffee and tabbing out with Casey, I paid for the meal of a veteran and his wife. They came over and talked to me. He was at Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993, and I asked if he was on the helicopters, and he said, "No."

He did something base. Mechanical work, and whatnot.

He told me he could introduce me to many more veterans like ourselves. I was excited, and said I was "onboard."

It was a lovely night at Tuscany's. I helped close the place down. Mike finally ran me off, "I am trying to go home, man. I've been here all day." "Fair." I said. "Again next week?"

"Yes, my friend. Again next week."

Wagen, over and out.

[kcwagenseller]

First Day of Being a ProTrader

I've been learning and training for two months preparing to jump in the stock market. Part of my apprehension has been making sure I had enough knowledge, making sure I was funded, and the markets have been extra chaotic.

I was tasked by my boss, ProTrader Mike to trade Nasdaq futures. I made $2000 in the simulator yesterday, and we agreed that I would trade real money this morning. 10 Minutes, in and out of a climb from ***94 on up through ***15. I made $648. Not my goal, but I am thinking about getting out for the day while I am on top and trying again for more gains tomorrow. I don't want to give the money back to the market. I want to keep it.

Follow me for more on stocks and other subjects.

Wagen, Out.

[kcwagenseller]

Security!

It's Thursday, April 3rd, and my brother and I hop in my Nissan Rogue and head to Deerbrook Mall because we have opening night Minecraft Tickets at the AMC Theaters there. The Deerbrook mall was the mall of choice growing up. I even worked there in High School. I worked concessions until they promoted me to usher, giving me more freedom and responsibility.

After a 4 course Japanese meal at Shogun's in Atascocita, we head to the mall. We go to a few stores: I bought some gauges for my ears, checked on a jeweler because my middle finger is swollen and infected from a silver ring that is too tight. The jeweler told me to go to the ER and have it cut. I am trying to keep the ring. Not cut it. I will keep an eye on it. We are sitting in the food court waiting for the movie to start, giving the theater time to clean and open the doors when a security guard approaches. "Excuse me, sir, we have complaints that you have been indecently exposing yourself to minors in the mall." "I've done no such thing." I retort.

"Nonetheless, we have had several complaints. You can't go around showing people your booty-hole." "I haven't shown my booty-hole to anyone."

"Nonetheless, your attire isn't appropriate for this venue. I am going to ask you to leave the premises or we will call Houston PD and tell them you are trespassing."

My brother and I looked at him like he was crazy.

"What about my movie tickets? Do I get a refund? It's the whole reason I am here...to see Minecraft on opening night."

"We are under no obligation to refund your movie tickets. You are required to leave." I get up and start walking to the exit. Both security guards kinda stand there, then my brother gets up and follows behind me, then gets in front of me.

The escalators were closed, so I asked, "If the escalators are closed, how do we leave?"

"We will open an elevator for you." They say.

They escort us to a nearby elevator, ride the elevator with us and escort us out the mall.

"Thanks for ruining my night out with my brother. It was the highlight of my evening." I add as they split off and we walk toward my SUV.

I called the Deerbrook Mall management this morning and complained and described the men, even though they never gave me a name. I almost asked for badge numbers, but they were rent-a-cops...they don't have badge numbers. I demanded that they be let go for harassing retired military. If the mall does not comply, then I will take it up with the news.

You want to hear a real security story? It's 2005 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Some Navy buddies and I are at a party at a hotel. There was always lots of parties. Some of the people at the party were from another ship, and I had met them while on medical workup at Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a bad car accident while home on leave in 2004.

I don't remember exactly what transpired, but one of the guys from the other ship had insulted and dared my friend to do something that put him in danger. I pulled out my Kershaw that my dad gave me as a graduation present and told me to carry with me everywhere, and I did. I flipped it around so that it was palm down with the knife blade behind me, something I had been trained to do while a part of a special anti-terrorism unit....domestic anti-terrorism. This was around the time I stopped a domestic terrorist attack.

As soon as I brandished my knife, my three shipmates whooped out theirs and asked, "What's the story, Wagen?" I stood still for a moment, everything calm. Everyone waiting for me to speak.

Finally, I said very loudly at about 10pm, "You have crossed my friend (he went on to be the best man at my wedding four years later) and therefore me and my division. You can leave peacefully or stay and fight. I leave the choice to you."

Everyone kinda stood still for a second. I could feel the bloodlust growing amongst my men, me being most senior to all of them on the boat and off the boat.

"Eric, you ok?"

"Yeah, buddy. I'm good."

"If they decide to fight, you get first. Huang your third, and Cole your fourth." I was second, but only after I put Eric on them.

My men barked. I barked.

They guys quietly gathered their things and each other and left.

I am confident we continued to drink, and may have even caught a late movie at Lynnhaven mall.

That's how you security....

Wagen, out.

[kcwagenseller]

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[kcwagenseller]

[kcwagenseller]

How The Video Game Industry Over-Inflates Profits

I miss the days of being able to rent video games. When I was a child or teenager, I would swing by the local Video City in my small hometown and grab the latest video game and a movie or two on a Friday night to be setup for the weekend.

Often, I would play that video game for 8-15 hours and then take it back, having a fully informed decision on whether it would be worth it to buy, or if I had my fill.

Recently, I saw a video on YouTube that highlighted how the video game industry boasts bigger profits than the music and movie industry combined.

At first, I was excited. I knew the industry was bigger than many suspected, and it's one of my favorite hobbies that has been with me since my first memories, and has persisted well into adulthood.

Not to brag too much, but I remember playing Frogger on my aunt's computer circa 1990 or so.

But after giving it some more contemplation, I thought about what the industry was like at the turn of the century. We used to get complete games with little to no bugs. There wasn't battle passes or other in game purchases, and there were lots of people like me renting games and making informed buying decisions. Nowadays, people will buy a game at full price months before it releases, not even sure if they will like the game. The games are often riddled with bugs, and there are many battle passes, and premium passes, and level skips, and cosmetics to spend money on, and that's in addition to the base price of the game. This list is by no means exhaustive. Sometimes we get a beta to play before release, but I am fairly certain that the industry has used that as the QA testing.

I miss being able to rent video games, but I know that the gaming industry probably doesn't want that. Whether I play a game for thousands of hours or less than ten hours, they get my money, sometimes twice (PC and PS5) and that's all they care about, it seems.

Maybe I'm just old and cantankerous, but after not being able to fast travel in Throne and Liberty and encountering various other bugs, I feel bitter about playing the game and paying for early release, and the three battle passes I purchased. One of which didn't work or was misrepresented in the write up.

Maybe there will be changes in the future regarding this. Perhaps this is just the way it is now. Either way, nothing will change until we stop giving them our money...at least up front without the ability to playtest first.

Thanks for reading my rant. If you read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you have an amazing day. At least it's Friday. I'm thankful for that.

[kcwagenseller]

Tuscany's Italian Restaurant: A Friday Night Out

I was thinking about what to eat on this Friday night, and I suddenly got the urge to go to dinner at Tuscany's. It's a nice Italian restaurant in town, and I heard they recently got their beer and wine license.

First, I tried to punch "Tuscany's" into Uber and there was no luck. It didn't exist. It sits next to a Subway, so I punched that in instead. Luckily, it said the right address but took us to the wrong location. I made the kerfuffle known to the Uber driver once I hopped in the vehicle. He said in his non-American accent, "It's no problem. I get you where you are going." To which I said, "Thanks."

I guided him to the Italian restaurant and I made it safely. That's when the fun began. I entered the restaurant and they invited me to take a seat anywhere. I picked a lone table and sat down facing the door. A young man approached me, "Hello, can I get you started with anything to drink?" I said, "I definitely want a water and I'd like to talk about the wine." He said, "Well, I'm only 16. I don't know anything about the wine." I said, "You aren't old enough to serve me anyway. Get me someone who knows about the wine and can serve me."

A different gentleman approached. i later found out that he was the owner. He said, "What do you like." I said, "I'm really partial to Cabernets from California, but I was wanting to try an Italian wine." He said, "I have the Bulletin. I can let you taste." I agreed. I looked at the menu and found an Italian cabernet.

He returned with the wine in a small plastic ramekin. I tasted it. "It tastes excellent." He said it was one of his favorites. I asked about the Italian cabernet and he said he was out, but that the Bulletin was comparable. I ordered the bottle.

Turns out, it was an Australian cabernet. That's ok, it was delicious. I started with the stuffed mushrooms and a salad with blue cheese. The salad came out fast, and I ate it quickly. The stuffed mushrooms came out quickly after that. I enjoyed all five mushrooms and the marinara and cheese that came with it, mopping it up with my complimentary rolls that they had served just before the wine.

Finally, the main course. I ordered veal parmesan and requested that the cute server, who happened to be named Kasey, also get a plate. I was upset to find out later that the charge was not on my bill. The veal parmesan was hot and delicious. It paired really well with the cab. I ate the whole dish.

"What do you like for dessert?" Kasey asked. I asked, "What do you have?" She pointed me to the menu that also displayed the wine. The desserts were on the back. I found the most expensive dessert and asked about it. Apparently, it was a chocolate mousse with cheesecake in the middle. I had to have it. "I want it." I said. "Right away" Kasey said, and sure enough, it came out about a minute later.

It was divine, especially with the red wine. I couldn't get enough and it was over long before it should have been. They brought the check. I ordered one more glass of the Australian cabernet while I waited for my Uber. I read part of Fairy Tale from Stephen King while I waited the 20 minutes for my ride to arrive, after I had tipped $40 on an $80 bill.

My ride arrived. "Uber?" I said as I opened the door. "Yes." It became quickly apparent to me that he didn't speak English, but Spanish. Luckily, I know quite a bit of Spanish. I'll spare you the exact dialogue, but I guided him home in Spanish and initiated some small talk, mostly to practice. He complimented me and dropped me off in front of my driveway.

It was a pleasant evening. I am glad I went out tonight. It's quite possible I will be doing it again in the near future, with another blog to follow.

[kcwagenseller]

A Domestic War

I was stationed in Naval Station Norfolk working as a Deck Seaman after losing my Intelligence job due to being arrested my senior year for possession of alcohol as a minor. I decided I wanted to be a Gunner's Mate, so instead of sending me "cranking" which was working in the kitchen, they sent me to an anti-terrorism unit, where I received anti-terrorism training — focusing on de-escalation protocols, hand-to-hand combat, general security training, and the appropriate time to use lethal force. After the short course, I joined the security force on base, standing watch with an M-16 or an M-9, checking IDs at the ECP (gate) or standing on the ship and watching the ship channel.

One day, I notice a sleeker looking boat, moving fast and sporadically around the channel about 100 yards from the USS Eisenhower, my ship. It looked strange as it whipped donuts and ran quick laps back and forth as military vessels and container ships went by. I radioed it in, "I have a fast moving craft about 100 yards out, driving sporadically. It just seems out of place."

"Keep an eye on it." My boss tells me. I take note of it, but it dawns on me that it could be a distraction, so I diligently scan the horizon, while keeping one eye on the craft.

Suddenly, the boat points it nose straight at me at hit the throttle wide open. I radio, "Now it's hit the throttle headed right for the ship."

"If it crosses the kill barrier you are cleared to fire." I hear. I raise my rifle, and about that time the guy on the dock comes out of his shack, slams his M-16 butt first onto the ground in a fancy maneuver to rack a round in the chamber, so I rack a round in mine.

Here we are, two sailors, pointing the most deadly assault weapons of modern time at this craft at it closes at lightening speed. At 50 yards out, I flip the safety to single shot. At 30 yards out, I realize I need to flip to full-auto. 15 yards out — I take a deep breath and place my finger on the trigger, looking down the sites with eyes that were ready and a heart that was calm.

About 5 yards short of the barrier, the boat rapidly turned and abruptly stopped. I kept my rifle pointed at the boat, waiting. I wasn't sure for what, but I was ready for anything.

At that time, a coast guard cutter threw on it's lights and sirens and had a gentleman on a 50-cal and a VBSS (Visit Board Search and Seizure) team. They boarded the vessel and arrested the persons on board it was at this time I hear someone come up behind me. "Wagen. It's ok. You can put your weapon down now. They got them." I sighed a breath of relief. I pulled the magazine out of my weapon, cycled the bolt, emptying the round out of the chamber, and put it back in the magazine…securing the magazine back to the weapon.

"I've been sent up here to relieve you from watch. FC1 wants to talk to you." He says, calmly "Thanks. Good luck." I reply, and head down to the office.

When I get to the office, one person claps and FC1 shakes her head and he stops. I still remember his name, but I don't think it appropriate to share it. She looks at me, concerned, almost like how a family member would and asks, "Do you understand what just happened out there?' "I think so." I respond, almost stoically. She pauses for a moment and says, "Well you did a good job. It's Wednesday. Don't report back until Saturday. That's when you start your night rotation. Be sure to have some fun." "Thank you." I said.

I stood for a moment. It was so weird to be relieved from watch and let go from work. The first never happened and the second rarely happened. I remember hearing "Best of You" by the Foo Fighters on the radio. I still listen to that song sometimes when I want to remember…to go back to that day….knowing that if that boat hadn't turned when it did that I would have gone full auto on the engine block and then sprayed the bottom third of the magazine into the pilot house. And had it done what it came to do, I and many other people wouldn't be here today.

[kcwagenseller]

Reuniting with an Old Friend

I went to dinner with an old friend from high school. He prefers to be called DillBill. He and I decided to go into Mont Belview, Texas to Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux. I have been going to a local bar in Dayton, but I kinda got tired of them not offering decent red wines at a fair price.

On the way there, we spoke of the Drug War, as both of us are not prohibitionists.

"Alcohol is the most dangerous of all the drugs, but you can buy that at a local gas station. LSD and Mushrooms are really safe and therapeutic, even methamphetamines are safe within reason. Alcohol is the real killer...of the body, of relationships, and on the road."

"I know." I agreed. His passion driving the fuel for continuation of my writing Trapped, my new book about the Drug War. "The real problem with the drugs is that we can grow them. Alcohol is processed and can easily be taxed. Cannabis, poppy, and mushrooms come from the Earth, and can easily be grown, and the government and big pharma want nothing to do with that."

"Right!" He agreed.

We went on about such things, and then pulled up to the sports bar. It was loud inside, so we didn't talk much, just had a few drinks and some food. We left, and the conversation continued, but about autism. "So I have this guy on my crew, and he is different, but really smart. All I have to do is show him something once and he's got it. He is such a good hand. I didn't know how to deal with autistic people until he came on the crew."

"Yes you did. We were best friends in high school and I'm autistic. Remember how I was super smart but somewhat socially awkward? That was autism. High-functioning, but it existed."

He paused for a moment. Thinking.

"Yeah, but this guy will be off in the corner talking to himself as he works. He does an excellent job, but the other guys on the crew won't mess with him because they are afraid." He said.

"That's fair. At least he makes you a good hand."

We talked about other stuff, but it was nice to hear that he was in charge of an autistic person as part of his job. It sounds like he has really opened up to coaching an autistic person, especially with the realization that I am and always have been autistic.

As he pulled up to my driveway and we said our goodbyes, I thought of the night and the fact that we hadn't hung out in over four years, and all the times we shared going back twenty years. He is an amazing friend, and I look forward to our next adventure.

[kcwagenseller]

Errands With My Friend

My neighbor and I have started to become really good friends, and it's refreshing. I honestly do not have many real life friends. What's fun, is he is ex-Army and I am ex-Navy. Both of us have anti-terrorism training, so we talk about our experiences with training and real-world experience from time to time.

I woke up from my mid-morning nap and saw a text from him. "Hey, if you want a ride to go do breakfast and to the store, I can be ready in 5 minutes."

"Let's do it." I said.

We dropped by Kountry Kitchen in Dayton, Texas, his favorite store, but they were closed Monday and Tuesday. I was really looking forward to trying it. Maybe another day.

I said, "How do you feel about Dayton Diner? Pointing to it right across the railroad tracks. "The food isn't as good, but we don't have much of a choice, do we?" He said

"I like the food there. That's where I go when my Mom and I go to breakfast." I assured him.

We went in and picked a seat in the corner, I ordered an omelet and he ordered a typical egg and sausage breakfast. I got to sharing my experience with him about my book, writing, Colorado, and specifically dosing on methamphetamine.

"People don't realize that meth was given to soldiers and sailors in WWII. It kept them awake, fighting, alert, brave, and eating less. Imagine having to feed 500,000 troops, and they only eat a third or a quarter of what a normal person eats."

"That's wild." He said.

"Yeah man. Once I found out about that, I started dosing. I did one or two lines in the morning and rode the buzz. I felt giddy, creative, awake, and after a few months, I was wearing my skinny jeans. When in public, I would talk to strangers, even cops, like I did yesterday."

He laughed. "Yeah. That took some balls."

"It got to the point that I wore my skinny jeans and I would stay up like 100 hours straight playing Black Ops 4 Zombies. I had a total of 2,000 hours for the year."

"Man, I miss zombies." He said, reflectively.

About that time another patron in the store stepped in, "I used to do abunch of drugs. Weed, crack, acid, all that shit. I'm 10 years sober now and happy about it. I didn't want to be one of those people sucking dick to get a hit."

"For sure. I feel like most people get to that point because the Drug War does not allow them to hold a real job once they get arrested."

Both neither agreed or disagreed. The gentleman said his goodbyes, and my friend and I paid and left. It was a productive time of bonding and sharing my story, and engaging the community.

I look forward to doing that more today and in the future.

Cheers.

[kcwagenseller]

I had a few drinks with my ex-Army friend and neighbor and he got a call to go pick up his kiddo. He and his wife invited me along and I agreed.

We hopped on 99 and drove into Houston. We stopped at a gas station and I went inside to use the restroom and get a water. I headed to the line, which was long and had a Houston Constable at the end if it.

I asked, "This the end of the line?"

He said, "Yes."

I just came right out with it. "Are you law enforcement for or against prohibition?"

"Excuse me?" He retorted.

"Are you happy with the Drug War and enforcing it's laws or would you like to see it end?"

"I don't have an opinion either way. Just know that I don't make the laws, I just enforce them."

I told him about my blog and my book. Then I said, "Just don't tackle me, break a rib, and haul me to jail."

He smiled. "Don't try to fight me or do anything stupid."

"Fair." I agreed as we both chuckled.

It was a positive interaction. This man seemed like a very decent fellow. He really was just doing his job. I am glad I met him.

As we pulled back in the neighborhood, my Army buddy was like, "That guy probably ran my plates." I said, "Nah. You're good. Don't be worried." He said, "I'm not worried. I think it's funny." We both laughed.

It's been an excellent Monday.

[kcwagenseller]

Going Home From Barney's

Terrell came and picked me up. I ask him, "How was your Easter?" He replied, "It was well. I went to church with my family and hung out for a bit, and then decided to work for a bit." I asked, "You do this full-time or part-time?" He said, "Part-time. I teach 6th and 7th grade math." "That's cool." I replied.

We talked about our faith for a bit. He was very open-minded and not hostile at all. He was Christian, and I am a Messianic Jew. We agreed on alot of things, though. Makes sense to me.

The conversation got really interesting when we moved to politics. We agreed that something needs to change. That Millennials are not represented on Capital Hill and that frustrated both of us. He told me, "I am glad that you write and blog about it. Someone needs to keep the conversation going." I said, "Thanks. I try."

I asked him, "Do you want to teach or whole life?" He said, "Actually, it was prophesied over me that I would do something in the film and movie industry. I am even interested in doing a podcast or being a radio personality." I thought that was cool.

As we pulled up to my house, we exchanged information and said our goodbye's. It was nice to have someone to talk to. The price of the Uber was almost worth it just for that reason, muchless the ability to get out of the house.

I will be doing more Ubers in the future.

[kcwagenseller]

Barney's Billiards Hall in Humble, Texas

Humble is a suburb of Houston and near Bush Intercontinental Airport. If you find yourself flying into Houston, this place is sorta near your landing spot.

Upon arriving, I smelled weed, in public...in Texas. I was like, "WTF. Is this Colorado or California?" I was delighted to smell freedom.

I grabbed a seat at the bar and was engaged by a very beautiful young lady. I asked, "Do you have an red wine? I am a fan of California Cabernets." She went and looked, and came back with one. A Sutter Home. I laughed and politely declined.

I started not to drink, but then I asked her, 'What's your favorite beer?" She responded, "Michelob." I got to thinking about it, and I either haven't tried Michelob, or it's been a while. I said, "I will take one of those with a pepperoni pizza." She asked, "Do you want it dressed?' I love it when they ask this. My favorite response, "Yes. I typically like it dressed until I am ready to put my mouth on it."

She giggled.

The beer was actually decent and the pizza was ok...kinda hard on the crust. After some more interaction and flirting, I told her, "My main reason for coming out tonight was to make a new friend or two. Could I get your contact information and build a friendship with you?" She said, "I don't befriend or date people I serve." I responded with, "It's my first time here. What if I promise to never come back."

She giggled.

She said, "We can be acquaintances, not friends." I asked, "What does that mean, specifically?' She said, "It means that you are not getting my phone number, honey."

I was kinda hurt, but hey, it was fun to flirt with her.

I played like half a game of 9-ball after 3 beers and decided to call an Uber. Playing pool alone is wretched.