Toys!
I played with them until quite late in my childhood. I had a biscuit tin full of little action figures and various things I'd made and would often carry a little soldier in my pocket for company during the day. Making little things for my tiny army was a tremendous source of entertainment and creativity for me.

For whatever reason, I "matured" and kind of forgot about toys as I went to study and be all sophisticated and stuff. Years went by until I saw this:



It's an enormous, realistic toy helicopter that accommodates Action Man scale figures, and I had to have it.

And then subsequently about 150 little army dollies. And jeeps. And motorcycles. And hundreds of little accessories and things I've made myself including dozens of handwound wire coathangers for all the spare uniforms. They just multiply, I swear it's not my fault.

I'm not particularly ashamed of my hobby. When people see the collection (mostly hidden, I'm realistic...) their reaction is usually mild awe and impulsive grabbing motions. Women of almost all ages almost immediately pull down the nearest action figure's trousers, although sadly generally don't allow me to pull down theirs.

I like to think that I'm childlike, rather than childish, but it's hard to kid yourself when you're a tall, mephistophelian 32 year-old man, standing in the Barbie aisle looking for "civilian" clothes and moaning to yourself about the size and quality of Ken's footwear.
(Ladyfingers is in your wardrobe,, Fri 18 Sep 2009, 13:28, 5 replies)

Where's the shark?

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 18 Sep 2009, 13:29, closed)

Good gravy...
You've just given me a smashing idea for a photograph.

My crate of stuff hasn't arrived since I emigrated, but by Jove, when it does, I'm heading down to Sydney harbour with a camera, helicopter and rubber shark.
(Ladyfingers is in your wardrobe,, Fri 18 Sep 2009, 13:32, closed)

Great plan!
This I like.

EDIT: And have a click.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 18 Sep 2009, 13:34, closed)

You are excellent.
.
( 100% Cock Raw like carrots., Fri 18 Sep 2009, 14:00, closed)

I suggest
an immediate trip to the newly opened and 5 story Barbie Emporium in Shanghai.
(haberman is singing in the changes, Fri 18 Sep 2009, 14:08, closed)