So as a free-time hobby and a source of spare cash now and then, I build computers.

I recently received a request from my friends, Nick and Jen, to build Jen a computer for photo and video editing.
All parts were ordered and the last parts arrived yesterday.

So I head over there last night to get everything assembled and configured.
We laugh, we eat pizza, Nick watches American Idol while Jen and I mock him. It was a good time.
I get everything buttoned up and am getting ready to leave.
Nick mentions paying me and I tell them I can't take any money from them. They are a young couple with a toddler etc. Besides, I am a total geek when it comes to playing with new hardware.
So Jen says well we have to give you something...hold on...
So she heads downstairs and I hear her rustling around down there.
She comes back upstairs with a HUGE box that is covers mostly with "Jinx" (Jinx is a gaming/geek lifestyle apparel company that Jen both models for and designs for) wrapping paper.
She explains that she got this from Jinx in 2008 as a Christmas gift and it had been sitting in the basement since then. She said she really had no interest in it and it was mine if I wanted it.

So she turns the box around and it is a Lego Star Wars Ultimate Collectors Edition Millennium Falcon. Model # 10179 (I actually have that model number memorized because if I ever won the lottery I would be buying one). Unopened and completely sealed still.

First I am in shock...then awe...then disbelief...then sadness. I can't take this from her.
I know what this thing is worth and how much that amount of money will do for a young family starting out.
So I tell her I am flattered and honored but I can't accept it.
She asks me why, sort of puzzled knowing I am a Star Wars fan.
So I silently pull out my iPhone and on both eBay and Google Shopping search pull up the model number. And then I hand her my phone and direct her to look at the open page and then swap to the next page.
The color literally drains out of her face and she gets a little wobbly. Nick offers his arm to her for support and then takes my phone from her.
The color begins to drain out of his face and he looks to her, then to me and then down at the box now sitting at their feet.

I take my phone back, put my hand on Jen's shoulder and congratulate her.
I take my leave and as I am driving home, I get several texts from them about what an amazing friend I am.

To give you an idea of what we are talking about, you can check out the links below. This item still sells in most retail for $1600-$2300. The last 10 or so that sold on eBay went for $1600+.
http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Ultimate-Collectors-Millennium-Falcon/dp/B000WLW3W0
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=lego+10179+Ultimate+collector%27s&_sacat=19006&LH_ItemCondition=1000&_odkw=lego+10179&_osacat=19006&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

I am very happy for them. I am disappointed for me. Robin gave me shit about it when I got home until i explained to her that if I had ended up with it, I would have assembled it anyway.

You are a great friend to them 

Quote from: ZLTFUL on January 27, 2012, 11:24:20 AM
Model # 10179 (I actually have that model number memorized because if I ever won the lottery I would be buying one).

NERD!!!! 

But, yeah, you're a good friend. I hope they get big bucks for it. 

You are a moron and good friend.

Toys are meant to be played with.. lol.. everything I've collected has been opened...  im a kid st heart..  that's good character shown on you part..  hoe they get good $ from it...

Quote from: duccarlos on January 27, 2012, 12:09:24 PM
You are a moron and good friend.

Yes to both!

Good move on your part.

Why didn't you offer them $1500 for it?

In all seriousness, you're a great friend.

you placed a greater value on having an uncontaminated friendship

and you as much as told them so

that can be as good as, or better than money in the bank

I hope they are equal to, and worthy of the gesture

QuoteNick mentions paying me and I tell them I can't take any money from them. ...
So Jen says well we have to give you something...hold on...

This is where I thought it was getting good...

haha  

Quote from: avizpls on January 28, 2012, 08:41:13 AM
This is where I thought it was getting good...

haha 

glad I'm not the only gutter mind in this joint.....

Get in line with the rest of us.

Quote from: rgramjet on January 29, 2012, 10:24:18 AM
glad I'm not the only gutter mind in this joint.....

+1

our world would be a much better place with more people like you.


Ciao!

good story, and good on ya!


I thought this thread might of been about this:

http://www.space.com/14397-teens-lego-man-space-stratosphere.html