Fun blocks, big cost - The LEGO Saga

Firstly, when you're young and don't work or your parents can't help you buy things, having an expensive hobby is tough. I loved Lego but couldn't afford it because I didn't even have a bank card. I only got to play with Lego when I visited my cousin who had a lot. So, I focused on reading, writing, and dancing, which didn't cost much. But when I started working in Austria, I could afford a bit of an expensive hobby, like mountain biking, thanks to my husband. It's pricey, but I love the thrill of it.

And then, a few years ago we were going shopping and I saw a Star Wars Lego set. I just went crazy. And my husband saw that. I actually never mentioned to him that I love building Lego and being honest I also already forgot this was something I always wanted to do, but there was never enough money. It’s a freaking expensive hobby. He said I should buy it, but I didn't want to. You know what kind of food and stuff for our apartment can I buy with this money? 80 euros for one small set was for me just too much. I was never a kid who wanted big stuff and expensive clothes, the only thing I gave money to and I never looked at the price was my shoes, I'm a big fan of All-star shoes, and when my mother bought me my first pair in middle school, I think I wore those for 5 years. So yeah, this was the only thing I wasn't watching on money. That was also part of why I already started to work in high school on the weekends, just to earn some money for going out, and to also buy myself shoes 😊 But let's rewind.

So, the next day I needed to work, and in the evening when I came home, on the bed was a big box. And he said open it. I didn't know what was waiting for me, and it's not even my birthday today. After opening it, I was jumping like a little kid. He bought me my first Star Wars Lego head collection set. You can't imagine my happiness. But then, what the hell man, after building this you think I will stop and never ever buy another? He reminded me how I always supported his hobbies, so he thought it was time I bought something for myself. I hesitated because Lego is expensive, but he encouraged me to treat myself. I was working and I still wouldn't buy something just for me? So I said to him, “I think you made a mistake. Did you see how expensive this hobby is?” But he still insisted, I'm a grown-up woman, with a good job, and without kids, why not spend money on myself? Oh boy, he didn't know what was waiting for him.

So, I decided to buy one Lego set each month, starting with a head collection. But I needed to control myself because spending 80 euros on a few hours of joy seems crazy. I've already bought all the sets I can afford, and now it's getting even more expensive. Plus, there is also one problem, I live in an apartment, and I don't have enough space for my whole collection, and with my husband's Hot Wheels collections, this is becoming a big problem. And also, I have a big collection of my books. Yes, with only one sleeping room and living room, there is definitely not enough space.

But hoo, I can do that all day if I want to. My mind is focused on only this and I don't have time to think about anything else, this is helpful when my health is not in the best state.

Second problem? I already bought every set that is possible to buy with my budget. Now it's getting more and more expensive.

I decided now was the time to stop a little bit. This year I won't buy any new Lego set (I hope), but every month I'm putting aside some money from my pay, and when I have enough I'm buying my dream set – Star Wars Millennium Falcon. I'll make space for it by building a coffee table with a glass cover to display it. I already looked up for ideas and I love it. And just so you know, I also built the coffee table that we are using now 😊 So, not a big problem 😉

Regardless of not buying any Lego this year or until I have enough money to buy my dream set, I still have Lego sets I received from my husband for Christmas gifts – Chewbacca, and last time I was cleaning, two heads fell on the floor, so I need to rebuild these two also. It's a little bit catchy because now are the two heads set mixed together and it's a pain in the ass knowing which part is from which set. But, I still have something to build.

So, that's my story! And just so you know, I'm a huge fan of Star Wars (I love the first trilogy), Indiana Jones, and Marvel, so Lego knows which set they need to sell for me to buy it 🙂

Someone once told me that I was 12 inside. The only thing 12-year-olds crave is more Lego. Lego is fun; it's therapeutic. It's a beautiful sensation when you click the pieces together. - James May

With love, @tinabrezpike❤️