So what ya into? (Your hobbies thread)

[Tanukitsune]

I'm surprised we didn't have one of these threads yet! Well we do now!
In case you haven't noticed, I'm a full fledged fanboy, I'm into the usual stuff, comics, but specially webcomics, B-movies (I get a kick from them, ok?) and martial arts movies (specially Jackie Chan), manga and anime (specially One Piece), fantasy and sci-fi novels (Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams), but my "main" thing is... gaming, and specially retro gaming and collecting them...


I'm quite a pack rat, and I got quite a collection, it's a blessing and a curse, I'd have to live 200 years to play them all...

I kinda like cooking too...:oops:

Enough about me, ok?

[Mravac Kid]

Oh, OK. I am a webcomic junkie, build model kits, play the guitar, have too little money to be a car nut, and spend way too much time playing games (mostly older ones).

[ParkRNDL]

HO scale slot cars--those little toy cars that run on the plastic track with the electric rails and the controller with the trigger. My favorites are the ones from the '60s and '70s, made by companies like Aurora, Tyco, Atlas, and Lionel (yes the train people). But I'll buy any of them that I find at yard sales and flea markets and thrift stores and what have you, no matter how old or who made them. A company called Johnny Lightning (who makes primarily diecast Hot-Wheels type cars) has started making replicas designed just like the old Aurora ones, and it's been a huge bonus for people like me who like the old cars. I have between 300 and 400 of these things total, all different types and brands and ages. I also have a track built on a 4x16 table with some model train scenery to make it look like a town.

Other than that, I love anything car-related, especially models and toys since I can't afford the real thing... I have close to a hundred model cars which I've kinda let sit since I got into the slot cars 3 or 4 years ago. I also have a real 1965 Chevy Impala in the garage that's rusting out from under its nice new coat of paint because I can't afford all the mechanical work it needs...

[crypto]

Former Boy scout (Got to Life, second heighst rank, Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow), so I sort of like to camp and do outdoory stuff as long as the weather is good.

I'm a web comic junkie, I'm also into fantisy and sci fi books and movies (Star Wars for the books mainly, just about anythign for the movies). Bit of an artist, though lately I haven't had any sketch I realy liked and finished. I also am rather good in the kitchen, and I'm not afraid to admit it. Also into RPGs, mainy forum/e-mail games.

I've also been sort of complemented that I'm good at getting into peoples heads and cutting through the BS. Ironicaly that came from Beth, (see Bartender and Cure a flirt) and phrased as "You should become a shrink and cure my friends problems.

And yeah, I'm a good friend.

[Tanukitsune]

Oh, OK. I am a webcomic junkie, build model kits, play the guitar, have too little money to be a car nut, and spend way too much time playing games (mostly older ones).

Another fellow retro gamer! Nice!

I think we are all web comic junkies here....
I have three Comic Alert accounts, and read over 70 webcomics (Way too many for my own good).

[MrEff]

Hobbies eh? Well right now I'm currently engrossed in web comic I am drawing.... I'm loving the results I'm getting and I can't wait to get it off the ground for everyone else to enjoy.... other than that I play Magic: The Gathering, I collect records by th butt load (I used to be a DJ of the Techno sort and I do Own 3 turntables, one of which is a classic style cabinet player) Other than that I'm an X-box freak and I love the Anime (favorite being Fooley Cooley) ANd did I mention drawing?? I think thats about it but it's too early in the day to tell.... maybe I'll think of something else later.....


-MrEff-

[Ryalyn]

Let's see, my hobbies mainly include reading and writing. I love all sorts of books, from classical literature to science fiction to fantasy to myteries to plays and poetry. I've do quite a bit of writing, but I've still not managed to focus enough to edit anything to the point where I feel comfortable sending it out anywhere. I have aspirations to get a book deal or a magazine thing, but I'm not getting anywhere fast, much to my consternation.

Other than that, I enjoy spending time outside, running and kayaking and stuff like that, although I'm not very good at any of them. I'm increasingly involved with my church, attending a small group Bible study and other events with the women. I have a small group of girls from the college where I work who I sort of mentor, in a way. And I'm starting this thing with decorating lamp shades using beads and thread.

Oh, and I love cleaning and organizing. Absolutely love it. I got hired for my position because of it. People make fun of my house because it's so neat.

That's pretty much me. Pretty boring, eh?

[luchog]

Computers. I'm working on building a sort of mini-ISP, including dialup, for friends to use, using Linux and whatever hardware I can scrounge. Mostly as a way of teaching myself system and network administration and security.

I read a lot, everything from Sci-Fi/Fantasy to classic literature, to Americana. Some of my favorite authors are J.R.R. Tolkien, Hunter S. Thompson, Mark Twain, Moliere, Stephen R. Donaldson, Alexandre Dumas (pere), and Neal Stephenson.

I read a number of webcomics regularly, with a very wide range of styles. Some of my current favorites are linked in a public LJ post. WARNING: Some of them contain NWS material.

I make chainmail; though I haven't had the time or energy to do much work lately. I have a large shirt that I'm almost finished with, and just need a couple days free time (yeah, like that's gonna happen).

I have a bunch of other hobbies, but i just haven't had the time or resources to pursue them lately. The one I miss the most is my photography.

[ajax]

Oy, I have so many interests that sometimes I think I'm going off in all directions at once! But hobbies...

Ham Radio is my oldest "real" hobby -- been at it since before most of you were born (I was first licensed as KN8ZHD in 1961). I like the technology as much as the on-the-air conversations. Currently most of my equipment is in storage, because of construction work on the house.

Early Television Technology is an ongoing hobby, with an accompanying website and collection. Again, I like the technology -- I don't actually watch much TV. The mix of technology and history is particularly satisfying.

As I said in another thread, I like Funny Little Cars, for no particular good reason, other than they're cute and sometimes clever. Hmm, more mixing of technology and history.

And I like to cook and eat; sing (Tenor) in the church choir; figure out how things work (including me); and (of course) read comics. I also like reading; Bunnies; old radios; bread; junk; and people.

Enough!

Ajax

[Fhqwhgads]

Um. Crud. I dunno.

I play bass. Been playing for *counts on fingers* ...18 years I guess. I like it. I've got a Zon Sonus Special 6 string w/ an SWR vintage Redhead (I say "vintage" cause it sounds cooler than saying I've got the cruddy old 240 watt model when the new one is 400 watts). And one of these days I'm gonna have $6,000 all in one place and I'm gonna score me a Zon Hyperbass with the translucent charcoal finish and matching headstock and hipshot extenders on all four tuning pegs and maybe a hardshell case but I'll probably pay my buddy to build me a custom case that doesn't have the logo on it cause I really don't like to be conspicuous. (Why no, I don't obsess.) Mmmm...tasty. I pretty much just play at church anymore though. Never have enough time it seems like.

I do some other stuff too.

Oh I dig Gatchaman. I can even tolerate Battle of the Planets if you catch me in the right mood. Casey Kasem's voice is worth putting up with 7-Dork-7 IMO. But Gatchaman definitely takes it (like that's a controversial opinion). And I'm running a little business on the side that will have an internet portal up February 1, so I'm getting ready for that. And then the dayjob thing doing PC/LAN support for a 900-user call center. Which is pretty OK. I mean if you're gonna have a job you might as well be less than totally miserable showing up for it right? I gotta be up at 4:40 AM to get there on time though (I start at 6) and I'm a night person by nature. But oh well. Choose your mood right? Go Tina.

OK I'm done now.

[Athena Lionfire]

Erm, I love reading (fantasy, comedy, mystery, horror, but no sci-fi) I love writing and am currently planning a book I actually plan to write and finish and if I'm lucky, publish *gasp*.
I enjoy singing and am quite good at it, I love Nightwish and Reel Big Fish and well Ska, Punk, Rock, Metal and Rat Pack music. (yeah I know the last one is a weird one)

I like drawing and am getting better so might eventually go back to college to do Art and Design (I quit college because i chose the wrong courses, luckily in england college is free so no waste of money) I'm still in two minds about the art and design thing because i also want to study classical civilisations and media studies...and i'm so confused over what to do that I want to scream a lot.

I love anime (my favourite is Trigun and Fruits Basket) and J-Pop and playing RPG's like Final Fantasy. Although I want to play Tales of Symphonia, my boyfriend is playing it and it temps me a lot.

Erm, I love movies, especially action movies, nothing sends shivers up my spine than a good explosion...(well a fake one anyway) although my fav movie is the last samurai, which has minimal explosions.

Oh and I also count my boyfriend as a hobby...and a full time job, he cant cook and if left to his own devices would just play games and draw all day...

So thats me in a nutshell...erm...yey...

[Kestralyn]

My primary hobby is Middle Eastern dance. I like to focus on two facets of the dance; folklore and Raqs Sharqi. The folkloric styles are the more traditional dances you'd see if you went to a small village somewhere between Morocco and Turkey. Raqs Sharqi (translated as "Oriental Dance") is the glittery stage style of dance that Americans call Belly Dance. My avatar is from a Raqs Sharqi performance last summer.

Beyond that, I sew (costumes ain't cheap!) and I make my own beaded jewelry. Reading is a huge passion when I have time for it (sci-fi, fantasy, history of science). And an occasional cross-stitch project... not that I've ever actually FINISHED one.

[Ryalyn]

I wish I could see you dance sometime--I'm so fascinated by world-dance, but can't do it myself.

Also, do you have any beading tips? I'm new at this whole thing, but I'm having fun. Any books on the subject you recommend?

[The_Stalker]

I like cars alot, but cant afford to work on my baby right now ('62 Ford Falcon Futura Coupe). I carve gems and fossile ivory. I do some light jewellery work, even though Im not a very good Goldsmith or Silversmith. I cook well, but its all simple hearty homestyle food nothing fancy.

My biggest hobby besides webcomics though is role playing games especially table top and Live action (LARP). Its funny, Im not an actor and have no theatre training but I love Larp. Ive got a character Ive played every weekend for close to two years now that still refuses to die...

[Kestralyn]

I wish I could see you dance sometime--I'm so fascinated by world-dance, but can't do it myself.

Can't do it? Is that due to a lack of funds for lessons or a physical consideration? Depending of where you are in Georgia, there are some absolutely fantastic studios doing all sorts of different ME styles. Now if you're interested in African dance, I can't help you much. And I CAN'T do African; my joints just aren't up to it!

Drop me a private message if you want to talk about this further -- I'm always glad to get someone else hooked on my drug

Also, do you have any beading tips? I'm new at this whole thing, but I'm having fun. Any books on the subject you recommend?

What type of beading are you interested in? I do pretty much straight stringing for what I call "office-style" jewelry. If you're interested in weaving (on- or off-loom), I can point you to some resources, but I don't have much experience in it myself. I also have some experience doing bead embroidery on costumes, but I'm still pretty sloppy with that. Do have a couple of good book suggestions for that, though.

What's your pleasure, m'dear?

[Ryalyn]

I've been trying to make interesting bookmarks with beads at the ends of a string, and I've been creating sparsly beaded fringes to hang off lamps. I'm looking to getting into the embroidery, but haven't gotten anywhere on that yet. I'm a dabbler, really, without a clue.

And my dancing situation is really a lack of grace and poise and opportunity.

[luchog]

My primary hobby is Middle Eastern dance. I like to focus on two facets of the dance; folklore and Raqs Sharqi. The folkloric styles are the more traditional dances you'd see if you went to a small village somewhere between Morocco and Turkey. Raqs Sharqi (translated as "Oriental Dance") is the glittery stage style of dance that Americans call Belly Dance. My avatar is from a Raqs Sharqi performance last summer.

Don't know where you're located, but if it's on the West Coast, you should check out the Mediterranean Fantasy Festival in Seattle. It's in mid-July, and dancers from all over show up. One of the largest belly/tribal/fusion-dance festivals in the US.

[Stefka]

The short-form answer to this question is "Yes."

I'm a historical re-enactor -- medieval, French & Indian and RevWar -- which acts as a nice overarch for lots of sub-hobbies: sewing, embroidery, weaving, quilting, research, trade beads, cooking, brewing, soapmaking, papermaking, herbalism, leather work, wood work, lampwork (glass + fire = pretties and beads) and blacksmithing. I'm also the only girl on the block who carries a scrimshaw tool in her backpack (my husband being the only boy on the block who does the same).

Add to those reading, writing, knitting, rug-braiding, miniatures (dollhouseish, not pewter gaming figures), oh, the odd roleplaying game, music, some computer games I could name and growing my hair as long as it will go, and I'm a very busy girl ... who, alas, can't put in as much time as I'd like on some of those because I have a job.

When somebody says, "You want to get together and do X?" I can usually say, "Yes." I may not be good at everything, but I'm interested in everything. "Specialization is for insects."

Anybody want to come out and play?

[EdSaari]

My profession and avocation is photography. Especially "Fine Art" Photography, and Art.
The other things I do, that I don't have a prayer of making money at - (like I'm filthy rich from photography) ....

Flyfishing, Cross-Country skiing (used to do Alpine, before it became so hyper), Target Shooting (Certified NRA Instructor for -- a whole bunch of years) Cooking, Eating, Drinking - Laughing, Playing - Getting caught in embarassing situations ... Sauna (built my own) ...

- Oh, let me count the ways ..

[amazon princess]

Like tanukitsune, I love videogames too. But my collection isnt as vast as his.
I'm mostly into playstation. I also love to watch anime and japanese dvds. Loving to work with my hands, I do a lot of art using stuff people throw away. Its incredible the treasures you can find in some peoples trash. Recently, I made a lamp using an old mannequin with no arms.

[Ryalyn]

Recently, I made a lamp using an old mannequin with no arms.

Cool! Pictures, please??

[amazon princess]

cool! picture please!

I dont have one but imagine this : Its a life size womens mannequin without any arms and head. Its looks like one of those greek statues. I sprayed it white. the color of purity.

[Lugnut]

the color of purity.

Am I the only one who sees the irony?

Kidding AP...you know I love you. I'm sure it looks wicked. Best I ever did was a lamp out of a champagne magnum bottle.

[kinako mochi]

Hand puppets, but that I stopped doing about a year ago. Write. S'all.

[Madhatter45]

Uh. lessee...hobbies... I love to sing and write songs. I also paint pewter miniatures and play heroclix!