CLASSES & JOBS

So what do you like to do in your spare time? It is amazing how many things we can choose from during any down time we may have. If you have the cash and the inclination, there are activities ranging from learning how to play the bagpipes, to tae kwan do, to stamp collecting, scrap booking, spelunking, zoology, and it seems the list never ends. You can find hobby stores carrying supplies for various models, puzzles, games, kite-making and hobbies galore. It is easy to locate websites designed to instruct or build communities around, say, bird watching or amateur photography. Unsure what to choose from the motley mix? There are even websites geared to help you pick a hobby, and any hobby retailer would be happy to provide suggestions.

You never know where your hobbies will take you. I knew someone in school who was engaged to a guy who was into entomology - or bug collecting. He absolutely insisted that he be allowed to display his collection of specimens at their wedding reception. She must have really loved him, because she went through with it. Can you just see it? I’d like you to meet the bride, and her parents, and the groom and his parents; oh, and please enjoy a tour of bugville while you drink your punch….

Some people even become famous for their hobbies. Television shows feature people and their hobbies – maybe you have seen shows about the strangest restaurants, weird and unusual homes, or what you can make with pipe cleaners. There’s an Al Yankovic song called “The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota,” and it is about just that – a huge ball of twine – wound up just because a Minnesotan had the time and interest to do it. I know a girl who found her husband simply because she decided to take up square dancing. There is the Guinness World Records angle too – if you become a good enough juggler – and can juggle more items longer or faster than anyone else you can get yourself into the famous world record anthology. Pick a hobby – make it uniquely you. You never know what will come of it!