January 24, 2003
Hobbies
Most of my friends have incredible talent and/or hobbies that make them stand out as individuals. Talent, coupled with hard work, produces incredible results, and I am in awe of their many efforts and successes.
So far (and this is not a pity-party-in-progress or anything) I'm still searching for mine. I'm noticing that I've been comparing myself to a lot of my friends lately, and truly wondering why. I'm not looking for recognition or a chance to sign autographs or anything like that, but mainly because I want my kids to one day say, "you know, my dad does (insert talent or successful venture here) and he's great at it." Even if it's "he builds the coolest tree houses" or "my dad is the best soccer referee" or "my dad invented (whatever)" it'd be fun to know that I did something that stood out in the minds of my kids.
Like most people, I have several hobbies I'm fairly adept at, but I don't spend enough time doing them to become a "master." Too much learning "the tricks of the trade" instead of just "learning the trade." I'm an amateur photographer. I'm slowly learning to play the guitar. I'm learning jujitsu. I'm becoming more mechanically capable with each passing home improvement project. But you know, I don't do too many things just for fun. Everything has some crazy financial reason or business motive behind it. It's like I'm hung up on being successful at the expense of having fun.
I don't build model airplanes anymore. I don't draw. I have not whittled anything in years... and you know, Pinewood Derby cars are actually pretty fun to make.
So, I'm looking for hobbies... something that would be fun, a little productive and helpful, and something I could do as I get older. I've been getting more interested in target shooting (pistol and rifle) and shooting skeet. This has sparked an interest in firearms history (very well documented already) and gunsmithing. It's something of an interesting hobby, but it looks fun and challenging.
So, am I looking at the long-term business possibilities of gunsmithing? Probably in the back of mmy mind, yes. But I' just interested in learning and working with my hands, doing more than using a computer keyboard all day long. I'm, for once, not setting goals on this. Not planning to reach a certain level by a certain date. Not planning to do anything but enjoy learning, and enjoy making mistakes (hopefully not involving gunpowder) in pursuit of having some fun!
Posted by MEK at January 24, 2003 10:32 AM