Constantly changing hobbies ?

[KILZ FILLZ]

What is up!
 

curious if any of you guys also constantly move from hobby to hobby? Like getting totally and completely invested in one and then 12 months later you don’t even barely touch it any more?

I asked @fat ralphy this question in the resolutions thread in regards to abandonment issues and @Fist 666 mentioned the idea of making a thread… so sorry but I’m jacking your idea man! Haha

 

this is a recurring theme in my life, to the point where I have to deny getting invited to start new ones! I recognize this thing in myself and actively try to stifle it. A current example is I have two separate friends that don’t even know each other trying to get me into archery… “the last thing I need is another hobby!!”

 

hours dumped into articles and YouTube vids. Extensive research of products. Money dumped into trips and equipment (buy nice or buy twice, right?)…

 

Shrink has said it’s because when I was growing up I wasn’t ever told I was good at anything, so I’m constantly changing interests, hopping from thing to thing, trying to fill some sort of void..

 

Not sure how much weight I put in that… but it does seem to be consistent with what other people I know have experienced as well. I’ve asked a couple other people who see this problem in themselves if this answer means anything to them and they said “yeah it resonates.”

 

I don’t really like it though. Doesn’t it seem a little too “boo hoo, poor me!” ??

 

What about you? Do you see this in yourselves? Does that cause mean anything to you?

 

in an attempt to shine a positive light on this, I guess another way to look at it is ———

 

Life is so fucking short. Why not spend it with tons and tons of different experiences, skills and passions? Doesn’t seem like a problem at all when framed that way now does it?
 

 

[Mercer]

Same, I used to be into shit for way longer, my dedication time has slowly shortened with time. I also do the same thing with Music Genres. There's the foundations of 90's Hip Hop & 80's Punk that I always return to, but then I also branch out into other shit temporarily like metal, Funk, Jazz, EDM, Blue Grass, Country, all in short lived in phases.

 

Full dedication hobbies went something like this:

• 80's - Now: Illustration
• 90 - 04: Skateboarding
• 91 - 01: Graffiti
• 98 - 05: Snowboarding
• 05 - 10: NYC Dining & Night Life
• 09 - 16: Photography
• 17 - 21: Crypto, Savings & Investment
• 18 - 20: Mixed Martial Arts
• 17 - Now: Austrian Economic Theory
• 21 - Now: Firearms
• 23 - Now: Local Politics

 

[LUGR]

@Merceryou used to be such a photography “nerd”. I was kind of shocked when you dropped it.

 

 

*edit

you should definitely run for local politics 

mayor or someshit

 

 

[LUGR]

I stay pretty dedicated to my hobbies but take periodic breaks (sometimes for years).

[mr.yuck]

I have this issue where I over research a new hobby that might interest me. Like to the point where I have become a professional at the thing and bored with it, without ever having actually  participated in the activity.

[Mercer]

1 hour ago, KILZ FILLZ said:

Life is so fucking short. Why not spend it with tons and tons of different experiences, skills and passions?

 

I work with people that don't have a life outside of work, and I'm like why the "fuck is you even here for?" Their entire life, and every "exiting" story they have is so boring I can't even comment without them taking it as me trying to "one up" their story so don't speak in their pitiful presence. They could never process the "Amazing Tales of Mercer" 

 

I mean getting money is cool and all, you gotta have money to expand the types of experiences you'll have, but don't let the paper chase waste your short time in this simulation. I could understand if they worked in something cool, but fire alarm? Let that paper chase go, some of my best memories only took effort, and risk, but they were literally free.

[One Man Banned]

1 hour ago, KILZ FILLZ said:

this is a recurring theme in my life, to the point where I have to deny getting invited to start new ones! I recognize this thing in myself and actively try to stifle it. A current example is I have two separate friends that don’t even know each other trying to get me into archery… “the last thing I need is another hobby!!”

 

I know, who needs more arrows?

[Schnitzel]

bee keeping -1985 -1988 (until massive sting session proved i was pretty allergic)

skateboarding 1987 - 1989

Bodyboarding 1988 -1989

Graffiti - 1989 -1992

Documenting graffiti 1990 - now

Graffiti (second phase 1997 - now though pretty fucking inactive)

and I can't seem to move on.
I make collages sometimes.

 

I need more hobbies but I just don't know where to start.
day drinking looks good atm.

[One Man Banned]

2 hours ago, KILZ FILLZ said:

Shrink has said it’s because when I was growing up I wasn’t ever told I was good at anything, so I’m constantly changing interests, hopping from thing to thing, trying to fill some sort of void..

Not sure how much weight I put in that… but it does seem to be consistent with what other people I know have experienced as well. I’ve asked a couple other people who see this problem in themselves if this answer means anything to them and they said “yeah it resonates.”

I don’t really like it though. Doesn’t it seem a little too “boo hoo, poor me!” ??

What about you? Do you see this in yourselves? Does that cause mean anything to you?

in an attempt to shine a positive light on this, I guess another way to look at it is ———

Life is so fucking short. Why not spend it with tons and tons of different experiences, skills and passions? Doesn’t seem like a problem at all when framed that way now does it?

 

I don't hear you crying over it or seeking attention for it.  More like you trying to solve a puzzle.  Shrink could be right, but then you have to take the extra step- weren't told you were good and now the void you're trying to fill is to/for/because.....?  For you to figure out.

 

But there are other reasons people could switch from hobby to hobby.... ADHD, need for more and more stimulation, shit got old, you mastered something and needed a new challenge, you've matured, interests change.....

 

I have a buddy who never seems satisfied or sticks with one thing.  But on the other hand, he's had a laundry list of cool ass jobs and adventures and shit.  Not bad for dissatisfaction.  

 

What's the flip side here?  I've had the same hobby of scribbling words and cartoons on shit forever and most of the world would consider me a degenerate  for it.

 

 

 

[diggity]

How is it that none of you have mentioned smoking meat/bbq?

 

I'm currently spending spare time trying to learn 3d better without much purpose or direction - i'm tinker with 3d printing, cinema4d and unreal engine. 

A few years ago it was learning to play an instrument with no interest in being in a band or playing with others. I did that for few years and need to sell off the guitars that came out of it since I havent touched them in a few years.  Ended up losing interest because it felt so repetitive/boring.  

 

Lately whenever I think of picking up a new hobby, Lock picking comes to mind. 

 

For a while me and my lady were doing jigsaw puzzles. 

 

I really need to sell off a bunch of old hobby stuff - Guns, Guitars, etc. 

Graffiti and skateboarding are the things I always end up coming back to. 

[mr.yuck]

I also make the mistake of trying to monetize my hobbies. That's a sure fire way to ruin a hobby.

[ndv]

57 minutes ago, diggity said:

Lock picking

 

This has crossed my mind as well, although, like @mr.yuckmentioned, when i think about it i begin to get bored about it.  

 

Anyhow, you can pick up practice locks that are transparent so you can see what is going on internally with the pins.  Takes a huge amount of practice to become efficient at the art.  Nothing like the movies as for speed although it can be accomplished with certain types of barrels.    

 

Just an FYI,  you don't want to be riding around with a lock pick set, if you happen to get stopped and searched by an officer and you're not a likened locksmith, it doesn't look good.  Far as I remember, some states it's not illegal to have a set, but some states it is illegal if you do not have a locksmith license.  

 

Not trying to discourage from having a hobby, but law enforcement tends to think some things aren't hobbies as an legit reason.  

 

Just some thing to consider.

[ndv]

@diggity but if you're interested this a start

 

                          *****************************
                          *                           *
  *The Arts of Lockpicking*
                          *                           *
                          *****************************

                                 Author: Unknown
                           Retyped 2/20/87 by Amadeus


                     LOCKPICKING I: CARS AND ASSORTED LOCKS

Technology and the Art of Opening Things
----------------------------------------

While the basic themes of lockpicking and uninvited entry have not changed too
much in the last few years, some modern devices and techniques have appeared on
the scene . . .

Autos
-----

Many older autos can still be opened with a slim Jim type opener (these and
other auto locksmithing techniques are covered fully in the book "In the Stea
of the Night" by John Russell III); however many modern cars have built covers
over the lock mechanism, or have moved the goodies so the slim Jim will not
work . . . So:

                           American Locksmith Service
                                   P.O. Box 26
                             Culver City, CA  90230

carries a new improved slim jim that is 30" long and 3/4" wide so it will both
reach and slip through the new car lock covers (inside the door).

Price is $5.75 plus $2.00 postage and handling.

General Motor's cars have always been a bane to people who needed to open them,
because the sidebar locking unit they employ is very difficult to pick.  To
further complicate matters, the new GM cars do employ metal shields to make the
use of a slim jim type instrument very difficult . . . So:

                           Lock Technology Corporation
                                  685 Main St.
                             New Rochelle, NY  10801

offers a cute little tool which will easily remove the lock cylinder without
harm to the vehicle and let you enter and/or start the vehicle.

The GMC-40 sells for $56.00 plus $2.00 for postage and handling.

The best general automobile opening kit is probably a set of lockout tools
offered by:

                              Steck MFG Corporation
                               1319 W. Stewart St.
                                Dayton, OH  45408

For $29.95 one can purchase a complete set of six carbon lock-out tools that
will open more than 95 percent of all the cars around.

Kwickset have become quite popular as one step security locks for many types of
buildings.  They are a bit harder to pick and offer a higher degree of security
than a normal builder installed door lock.  So:

                                      A MFG
                                1151 Wallace St.
                               Massilon, OH  44646

Price is $11.95.  Kwickset locks can handily be disassembled and the door open-
ed without harm to either the lock or the door by using the above mentioned
kwick out tool.

If you are too lazy to pick auto locks:

                                  Veehof Supply
                                     Box 361
                              Storm Lake, IO  50588

Still sells tryout keys for most cars (tryout keys are used since there is no
one master key for any one make of car but there are group type masters a.k.a.
tryout keys.  Prices average about $20.00 a set.

Updated Lockpicking
-------------------

For years, there have been a number of pick attack procedure for most pin and
tumbler lock systems.  In reverse order of ease they are as follows.

Normal Picking:  Using a pick set to align the pins, one by one, until the
shear line is set and the lock opens.

Racking:  This method uses picks that are constructed with a series of bumps,
or diamond shape notches.  These picks are "raked" (i.e. run over all the pins
at one time).  With luck, the pins will raise in the open position and stay
there.  Raking, if successful, can be much less a effort than standard picking.

Lock Aid Gun:  This gun shaped device was invented a number of years ago and
has found application with many locksmiths and security personnel.  Basically,
a needle shaped pick is inserted in the snout of the "gun" and the "trigger" is
pulled.  This action snaps the pick up and down strongly.  If the tip is
slipped under the pins, they will also be snapped up and down strongly.  With a
bit of luck they will strike each other and separate at the shear line for a
split second.  When this happens the lock will open.  The lock aid gun is not
100% successful, but when it does work the results are very dramatic.  You can
somtimes open the lock with one snap of the trigger and impress the hell out of
casual bystanders.

Vibrator:  Some crafty people have mounted a needle pick into an electric
toothbrush power unit.  This vibrating effect will sometimes open pin tumbler
locks -- like instantly . . .

Technology to the Rescue
------------------------

There is now another method to open pin and wafer locks in a very short time.
Although it resembles a toothbrush pick in appearance, its actually an elec-
tronic device.

I'm speaking of the Cobra pick that is designed and sold by:

                                 Fed Corporation
                                  P.O. Box 569
                              Scottsdale, AR  85252

The Cobra uses two nine volt batteries, teflon bearings (for less noise), and a
cam roller.  It comes with three picks (for different types of locks) and works
both in America and overseas, on pin or wafer locks.  The Cobra will open group
one locks (common door locks) in three to seven seconds with no damage, in the
hands of an experienced locksmith.  It can take a few seconds more or up to a
half a minute for someone with no experience at all.  It will also open group
two locks (including govt., high security, and medecos) although this can take
a short time longer.  It will not open GM sidear locks, although a device is
about to be introduced to fill that gap.

How much for this toy that will open most locks in seven seconds???

$235.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling.

For you hard core safe crackers (serious shit), Fed Corp. also sells the MI-6
that will open most safes at a cost of $10,000 for the three wheel attack model
and $10,500 for the four wheel model.  It comes in a sturdy aluminum carrying
case with monitor and disk drive and software.

If none of these safe and sane ideas appeal to you, you can always fall back on
the magic thermal lance . . .

The thermal lance is a rather crude instrument constructed from 3/8" hollow
magnesium rods.  Each tube comes in a 10' length, but can be cut down if de-
sired.  Each one is threaded on one end.  To use the lance, you screw the tube
together with a matted regulator (like a welding outfit uses) and hook up an
oxygen tank.  Then oxygen is turned on and the rod is lit with a standard weld-
ing ignitor.  The device produces an incredible amount of heat.  It is used for
cutting up concrete blocks or even rocks.  An active lance will go through a
foot of steel in a few seconds.

The lance is also known as a burning bar and is available from:

                                   C.O.L. MFG
                                 7748 W. Addison
                               Chicago, IL  60634

This completes lockpicking I.


                       LOCKPICKING II: MISH ASSORTED LOCKS

So you want to be a criminal. 
Well, if you are wanting to be like James Bond
and open a lock in fifteen seconds, go to Hollywood because that's the only
place your gonna ever do it.  Even experienced locksmiths can spend five to ten
minutes on a lock if they're unlucky.  If you are looking for extremely quick
access, look elsewhere.

The following instructions will pertain mostly to the "lock-in-knob" type lock,
since it is the easiest to pick.  If there is sufficient demand, I will later
write a file discussing the other forms of entrance, including dead-bolt.

First of all, you need a pick set.  If you know a locksmith, get him to make
you a set.  This will be the best possible set for you to use.  If you find a
locksmith unwilling to supply a set, don't give up hope.  It is possible to
make your own, if you have access to a grinder (you can use a file, but it
takes forever).

The thing you need is an allen wrench set (very small).  These should be small
enough to fit into the keyhole slot.  Now, bend the long end of the allen
wrench at a slight angle (not 90 deg.).

Now, take you pick to a grinder or a file and smooth the end until it's rounded
so it won't hang inside the lock.  Test your tool out on doorknobs at your
house to see if it will slide in and out smoothly.  Now, this is where the
screwdriver comes in.  Is it small enough for it and your pick to be used in
the same lock at the same time, one above the other?  Let's hope so, because
that's the only way your gonna open it.  In the coming instructions, please re-
fer to this chart of the interior of a lock:

       XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX\ K
        #  #  #  #   #   #    \ E
           #     #   #   #    \ Y                 #  Upper Tumler Pin
        *     *               \ H                 *  Lower Tumler Pin
        *  *  *  *   *   *    \ O                 X  Cylinder Wall
                              \ L        (This is a greatly simplified drawing)
                              \ E
       XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX\

The object is to press the pin up so that the space between the upper pin and
the lower pin is level with the cylinder wall.  Now, if you push a pin up, its
tendancy is to fall back down, right?

That is where the screwdriver comes in.  Insert the screwdriver into the slot
and turn.  This tension will keep the "solved" pins from falling back down.
Now, work from the back of the lock to the front, and when you're through . . .

There will be a click, the scredriver will turn freely, and the door will open.
Don't get discouraged on your first try!  It will probably take you about
twenty to thirty minutes your first time.  After that you will quickly improve with practice.

[morton]

I don't really have this problem.

 

The only things that a  person could consider hobbies in my life are really pretty integrated into my lifestyle; fitness, cooking and travel. 

 

I think it would be a good idea to throw hiking, reading and socializing on the list but have been having a hard time finishing a book and have had a hard time being social for most of my adult life, especially since I quit drinking.

 

 

[LUGR]

4 hours ago, morton said:

I don't really have this problem.

 

The only things that a  person could consider hobbies in my life are really pretty integrated into my lifestyle; fitness, cooking and travel. 

 

I think it would be a good idea to throw hiking, reading and socializing on the list but have been having a hard time finishing a book and have had a hard time being social for most of my adult life, especially since I quit drinking.

 

 

No opera? No simphony? No watching movies from the 1920’s?

[ndv]

3 hours ago, morton said:

especially since I quit drinking.

 

 

 

 

I relate to this pretty heavy.  Social gatherings can be easily slept on intentionally depending the backdrop.  

 

When you stopped drinking, did you still go out with friends who did?   I did, and it was wild the things I'd over hear people saying to one another it was quite comical and shocking at times, that I actually began looking forward to going to bars sober because the verbiage that was bestowed on the patrons by their own accord was becoming a hobby I think, kinda like people watching for some.  But that quickly devolved for reasons being anti social to a certain degree of sobriety and introverted. 

[fat ralphy]

@morton mentioned reading - at times it rakes me fucking forever to get through a book. I can leave the shit sitting for weeks or a month. If the story isn’t super compelling for me I can literally have entire unrelated thought processes going on as I read. 

 

I really think ADD is a huge fucking factor here probably for most of us. 

 

Comics, bikes, cars. sneakers, art collection, records are a few examples of things I went completely nuts for and then have cooled off on. Although I am still into those things they are not taking up my time/energy/money like they used to. 

 

Another thing worth mentioning is that these things are reflective of addiction to a degree- ie. getting those dopamine hits when acquiring something new pertaining to our new awesome hobby etc

 

Be interesting to see how many of us in this thread have some degree of addiction issues - I have a sneaking suspicion haha

 

[morton]

4 hours ago, LUGR said:

No opera? No simphony? No watching movies from the 1920’s?

The Symphony does not play enough where I am to count for much.

 

If there were more performances or if I were baller enough to travel every few weeks to other East Coast cities for watching live performances I could see counting it.

 

Live music is great, I miss Cleveland too much sometimes. 

[LUGR]

2 hours ago, morton said:

The Symphony does not play enough where I am to count for much.

 

If there were more performances or if I were baller enough to travel every few weeks to other East Coast cities for watching live performances I could see counting it.

 

Live music is great, I miss Cleveland too much sometimes. 

You used to be a habitual neighbor l hood explorer too. Maybe that was just a lock down ting. I did enjoy your photos from your walks.

[mr.yuck]

4 hours ago, fat ralphy said:

I can literally have entire unrelated thought processes going on as I read. 

 

There's probably worse things to have than ADD, but the shit is so bad it has me forgetting to shower sometimes for several days in a row, like when I'm not obviously filthy from work. The shit just isn't even on my radar. I'm off in my own world. I hate that shit for you, but I'm also comforted knowing that it's some one else dealing with the exact same bullshit.

[LUGR]

8 hours ago, fat ralphy said:

@morton mentioned reading - at times it rakes me fucking forever to get through a book. I can leave the shit sitting for weeks or a month. If the story isn’t super compelling for me I can literally have entire unrelated thought processes going on as I read.

 

I used to have to read shit numerous times because my mind would be elsewhere. “Just read three pages and have no idea what I read”.

[One Man Banned]

43 minutes ago, mr.yuck said:

but the shit is so bad it has me forgetting to shower sometimes for several days in a row

 

On 12/4/2023 at 11:34 AM, One Man Banned said:

 

Especially with how you be wipin.....

[mr.yuck]

Bro don't even play me like that. I'm party of the booty stay fresh "3 wipes til clean" club 😂

[LUGR]

3 hours ago, mr.yuck said:

Bro don't even play me like that. I'm party of the booty stay fresh "3 wipes til clean" club 😂

As long as you wipe 2 inches deep you stay clear.

[KILZ FILLZ]

On 12/8/2023 at 5:19 PM, Mercer said:

 

I work with people that don't have a life outside of work, and I'm like why the "fuck is you even here for?" Their entire life, and every "exiting" story they have is so boring I can't even comment without them taking it as me trying to "one up" their story so don't speak in their pitiful presence. They could never process the "Amazing Tales of Mercer" 

 

I mean getting money is cool and all, you gotta have money to expand the types of experiences you'll have, but don't let the paper chase waste your short time in this simulation. I could understand if they worked in something cool, but fire alarm? Let that paper chase go, some of my best memories only took effort, and risk, but they were literally free.

I can relate to this. I work with mostly people who either: went in to the military right after high school, or they went to college and started the like decade long road  to becoming an engineer. So- not a lot of people who have had what I’d call a “real job” and most definitely not a lot of people who’ve done dirt. I make it a practice to stay quiet at work about any grime that I have done or do, but sometimes something will come up, where I have a story that is like right on the money, and then I tell it and it seems like people thing I’m bullshitting. Instead of “the amazing tales of Mercer” it’s “this 40 year old white mf bullshitting” lololololol

[Mauler5150]

On 12/10/2023 at 10:59 AM, KILZ FILLZ said:

I can relate to this. I work with mostly people who either: went in to the military right after high school, or they went to college and started the like decade long road  to becoming an engineer. So- not a lot of people who have had what I’d call a “real job” and most definitely not a lot of people who’ve done dirt. I make it a practice to stay quiet at work about any grime that I have done or do, but sometimes something will come up, where I have a story that is like right on the money, and then I tell it and it seems like people thing I’m bullshitting. Instead of “the amazing tales of Mercer” it’s “this 40 year old white mf bullshitting” lololololol

This is why a phone with evidence of said adventures is your friend I guess?

 

As for Me, My pasttimes I have indulged in are appreciating the female form via photography, surfing & bodyboarding, video games (in My past) and guitar.

 

I have always buried Myself into researching everything I could about whatever interests Me until I get burnt out on the specific hobby prior to rotating in another.

 

I feel like this is the best way to do it, as in only committing to a handful of things you are passionate about and enjoy, as it allows you to rediscover how much you enjoy the ones you neglect when you revisit them. And who knows, maybe I might be ready to play video games again by the time GTA 6 comes out.

[SMdoubleXL]

-Raised by mother only and I dissolved that toxic relationship some 20 yrs ago 

-found out my dad lived a few blocks over (wasnt told this person was my dad until I asked when I was 16 and living in Vegas already) 

 

-16 yr addiction problem (5yrs clean) 

-ADD 

-a fucking running to do list of interests/projects/ideas that I fully encompass myself in then drop for no fucking reason but decide to keep around ‘just in case’ 

yup. Checks all the boxes. 
and they’re  all probably loosely related. 

 

I’ve been able to reign my projects in a bit to limiting them to 3. 
1 I am finishing (fine tuning/cleaning up etc…) 

1 I am beginning (gathering items/planning/etc…) 

and 1 I am balls deep into. (This one gets most of my attention) 

 

*off topic -it’s very tricky but a way to wrangle that ADD for me is to wait as looooooooong as I possibly can to get a dopamine fix. 
sometimes I make it to 4pm; sometimes  7am. Haha 

Edited December 14, 2023 by SMdoubleXL
They’re

[NightmareOnElmStreet]

My whole life in a nutshell. Big slow down last couple years but I’ve picked up and put down so many different things I kinda hate thinking about it. Some I got good at some barely a shot. But overall it’s a bummer lol. Should have never quit on photography or screenwriting I tell ya that much. 

[LUGR]

2 hours ago, NightmareOnElmStreet said:

My whole life in a nutshell. Big slow down last couple years but I’ve picked up and put down so many different things I kinda hate thinking about it. Some I got good at some barely a shot. But overall it’s a bummer lol. Should have never quit on photography or screenwriting I tell ya that much. 

Didn’t you have a screenwriting thread on here? I vaguely remember something like that now that you mention it.

[Ko SprueOne]

Very important thread here. So much has been said and covered.