A Rainy Day Trip to American Science and Surplus

Apr 13, 2008

Moving to a new area has its high points and its low points. As a big fan of the familiar, I can tell you I have had a ton of low points over the last month, but I am happy to say I am starting to adjust and get my bearings. Now all sorts of cool things are at my disposal. New Flea Markets and garage sales, brand-new thrift stores, and wait for it… I live only a few minutes away from American Science and Surplus. Pinch me.

As a kid, we used to receive their oddball catalog in the mail and I would beg my Mom to order me assorted flasks, doodads, and boxed shrunken heads. Of course, being the fiscally responsible adult, she said no and then would throw away the catalog before I found it. Well, guess what? Now, I am a fiscally irresponsible adult who lives minutes away from this mecca of madcap merchandise. Take that upbringing!

Now, in all the rush and bustle of moving, it didn’t even occur to me that I was near AS&S. It was during a drive to find this bakery that I spotted their sign and almost drove off the road. Sadly, I was in a rush that day and had to wait until this weekend to visit. It was like waiting for that first summer weekend when you would get to go down the shore with your friend’s family. Sweet anticipation. I got there at opening on Saturday – 2nd person in the door. When I smelled the dust in the air and spotted the humorous handwritten signs, I knew I was in Retroist heaven.

I bought a bunch of things:

Lots of Stickers
Mickey Mouse bookmark.
American Science and Surplus Mug
Nerd Magnets
Rocky and Bullwinkle Magnets
Dragon Dice Mats
Nose themed Pencil Sharpener
Miniature Painting of a sailing ship
Rattlesnake Egg Magnets
Boiling Flask
3 Fotonovels
Skateboarding Patches
Mountable Bottle Opener
Assorted Plastic Clips

Grand Total – About 28 bucks.

Here is a photo of some of my haul. I tried to not include dupes. I did buy a bunch of those Nerd Magnets, and a stack of those Deadtime Stories stickers.

Not a bad way to pass a morning for me. On the way out, I signed up for their catalog (feels good to be reunited) and I made a promise to myself not to go there more than once a month.

Note: OK, Promise broken – I went back this morning – just to look at the lab stuff again. You are not my Mother. Stop judging me!!