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04/16/2003 Archived Entry: "Coming to terms with my own geekiness"

Yeah, I'm going on about this topic once again. Below are the things that I am currently interested in, but never seem to have time for. I'm asking for a favour from the world here, just help me pick something to focus on for a bit. The huge assortment of things is annoying me like you wouldn't believe and is putting me in a foul mood (Jen can attest to that).

  1. Kites
  2. Sterling Engines
  3. Guitar
  4. Water rockets
  5. Creating bad art
  6. Starting a small part-time home business
  7. Digital photography
  8. Geocaching (need GPS)
  9. Small woodworking projects
  10. Mid-distance walking
  11. Metal detector treasure hunting
  12. Daily Zen meditation
  13. Cryptography
  14. Learning to sail (requires paying for a course)
  15. Building an LCD video projector
  16. Learning harmonica
  17. Continuing the work I've already done on OmniCode
  18. Continuing to work on Intl. Democracy in Action Day
  19. Electric transportation
  20. Writing fiction
  21. Becoming a better Perl coder
  22. Becoming a better PHP coder
  23. Learning Esperanto (on lesson 4 of 10)
  24. Building miniature terrains
  25. Archery
  26. Sustainable living
  27. Fishing
  28. This blog

There are others, but those are the main ones. If anyone has some opinions on this, I could use them. I like to think I'm a pretty smart guy, but I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything by splitting myself across all of this. Thanks!

Replies: 7 comments

In the line of sustainable living Capillano had some seminar on the other day. My roommate went to it and they are building in the valley sort of a modern communal living complex. It is partially constructed and does the coop share thing. Apprently it will be using alternative energy, organic gardening, etc and will be self sufficent reselling excess back to the community. I could ask my roommate for the email on info for it if you'd like.

Other than that I'd say focus on your art for awhile. I stress relieving and relaxing outlet to things in life. :) And if you get much of a series in your head later you could take that visual and apply it to your fiction writing.

Posted by Arienadean @ 04/17/2003 04:58 PM PST

Fishing is fun! Try dedicating more time to it. Fish all the local lakes, and then whence you get tired of the local lakes, expand your areas! You get to see some interesting things on your way to the lakes, too.

Posted by Animefreak @ 04/17/2003 05:16 PM PST

It seems to me that you want a hobbby to relax, and it should be something that is mentally stimulating (because you're a geek). However, like a geek, you LOVE to start projects, but finishing them is less enjoyable. The lack-of-finish tends to be depressing.

Ergo, you need something that you can start, enjoy, and will generally feel like a success regardless of how much or little you do. Guitar fits this requirement nicely. Even just a little guitar skill pays off nicely with the ability to gently strum the guitar in the evening, sing songs with friends, etc. Of course, the harmonica also, fits many of these requirements, but the distance to "success" is longer.

My feeling is that you should go out and find a teacher. Don't try to teach yourself. If you were one of those people who could easily learn guitar by yourself, you'd probably have felt compelled to do so by now. A little guidance and structure will help you a lot. You might be able to barter for teaching... your local music shop probably needs help with its web site.

Posted by Miko @ 04/17/2003 05:29 PM PST

If you're going to try to barter, try posting on craigslist.com, I think there's a vancouver area craigslist.

Posted by Lis @ 04/17/2003 05:44 PM PST

I am looking into Model Trains, I understand compleatly where you are coming from. I am also a Geek, and am trying to fry my brain by only working with computers 24x7 (Bioth at my Job, and as my current Hobby). I also NEED a non-computer hobby. Thanks for the Ideas.

Elroy

Posted by Sir Lox Elroy AKA Chris @ 04/17/2003 06:45 PM PST

Well, combine Geocaching, mid-distance walking, and an activity to stimulate your mind (akin to cryptography, meaning it exercise those parts of the mind). Learn Orienteering! Your equipment outlay should be cheaper (a decent compass oughta do it, and maps), and you get the walking and hunting for stuff.

I believe Geocaching.com has some links, but if not, you're a resourceful kinda guy. Check it out!

Posted by Adiplomat @ 04/17/2003 08:35 PM PST

I vote Kites, but would not throw out the meditation. They're very compatible. :)

Posted by Noni @ 04/18/2003 06:05 PM PST

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