When I have a day to goof off I usually head outside to the garden. I can be found out in the garden til it is too dark to see what I am doing any longer! Trust me I know, as I have stepped on slugs with my bare feet...! (yes I garden barefoot)
Or I can be found on a hike (short one) up to see the fall leaves with friends. Mt. Si, Rattlesnake Ridge......
Traveling is also a favorite when I can afford it! I love Vegas, Sausalito, Ventura, Disneyland, San Diego and Hawaii.
I also like to help build. Roofs, shops, decks, you name it. However the contractors usually charge me more when I help. ?? (go figure)
What are some of your hobbies or fun things to do when you aren't doing signs? Signs are my enjoyment too.....but there are other things that are equally exciting. I also spend lots of time with my kids and their friends. Kids are great!
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
SEX DRUGS & ROCK N ROLL.....oh iam sorry thats what i did 30 years ago. now its sleep and eat,,,,hahahahahahahah
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
I work full time for the school board here and I ride my Goldwing as much as possible.My wife does the gardening I hate it.
[ October 18, 2002, 08:49 AM: Message edited by: Randy Campbell ]
Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :
Hmmmmm.... I spend most of my free time looking for a girlfriend/mate that would stick with me in this weird and wonderful lifestyle/career!!!!! Where are the Letterhearts that can truly understand me????
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
Well I have 4 boys ages 10, 8, 7, and 3 so as you can imagine, that is what I do when I am not working, though I wouldn't have it any other way. Though lately they think I am more of an activities director then a father, you know, riding bikes, soccer at the park, doodling, watching some lame kid show like Dragonballz, cleaning, feeding, washing, then feeding again, and after they eat, feed them some more. I also collect vinyl records, hang out with friends and ponder lifes question.
Rick
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Hey Marty.....didn't yo mama tell you that when you are looking fer love.....it aint gonna happen?? Now get out and take a walk....go to an art gallery....take a class......and I will bet they will all be lining up for YOU! (better get a new bolt for your front door)
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
Hi Cheryl,
I usually try to go out riding on my motorcycle but this past week I've been enjoying a jar of percocet. Got the roto-rooter treatment on my throat (tonsils, uvula, and anything else they could rip out, quite painful but hopefully my sleep apnea days will be history
I'll call ya when I can talk again and we can get together for coffee.
Posted by Bruce Evans (Member # 44) on :
well, since you asked. This is pretty much what i'm doin one day a week.
[ October 16, 2002, 04:15 PM: Message edited by: Bruce Evans ]
Posted by Tom Hartel (Member # 1790) on :
Um!! Free time? Well you can usually find me at the local dirt tracks racing my dirt late model racecar. Usually race every Sat night, but now that the season's just about over the real fun begins, building a new car for next year. Also on sundays I'm at the quarter midget track with my 6yr old son, who got bit by the racing bug. Go figure!
Posted by Artisan Signs (Member # 3146) on :
Hanging out with my sons, hockey skating with my sons, gardening, astronomey, Plattsburgh State Cardinal Hockey Fan, hiking in the Adirondacks like so....
Bob K.
Posted by goddinfla (Member # 1502) on :
Ushering at Tampa Bay Lightning games and concerts. Fishing, golf and walking through parks enjoying the great outdoors without a pair of post hole diggers.
Posted by Terry Whynott (Member # 1622) on :
I organize panel swaps!
Also love camping, canoeing, easy hikes etc. I just really love the beauty of the outdoors.
Also like travelling and seeing new places.
Great post Cheryl!
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
Go to letterhead meets and learn more about signs while traveling to meets,look at billboards and other peoples signs. Thumb through trade magazines looking for sign ideas. Cruise the cereal aisle in grocery stores,catching the layout on thier box signs, Talk about signs,and sign my name. Any time left over is dedicated to food for the body and soul
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
When not making signs... I spend my time making plans..On how I can spend the money I made making signs!!!
Like buying new "tools" (toys??)
But especially spending it on trips in the winter to get out of COOOOLD Canada!
I really enjoy this business and I like the opportunities it allows me to expand my knowledge, my experiences, and my adventures. There IS more to life than signs!!!! LOL Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
Well, this weekend I would like to be about 60 miles from here camping out for four days of down home music at the "MagnoliaFest". They have this thing every fall at a campground on the Suwanee River. Kind of like folk and bluegrass music mixed together with lots of campfires and parking lot pickin'.Also big stage,acts going on all the time.
The weather has cooled off some here...startin' to hit near 50's at night, but it warms up to 85 during the day. 'Moon's gettin big too, so it should be near perfect conditions...'taking my 13 yr. old grandaughter with me...
Now that's the stuff I live for...everything else is secondary. So to make sure I can get there I got lots of work to get done by tomorrow night!!
Sometimes nothing inspires me more that wanting to go some place to "get away".... Posted by Mike Languein (Member # 319) on :
One-Handing the keyboard lookin' at alla them purty nekkid women on the internet! Ya Haaaah.
I also somehow found time this year to dig up the yard and grew 300 sunflowers. There is a flock of wild parrots that comes around to help me and the other squirrels pick them. The aftermath is coming up even as we speak.
Posted by Robert Thomas (Member # 1356) on :
Traveling......We did the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of weeks ago from VA. to Cherokee N.C. Awesome views!
Also, I love to boat and offshore fishing.....going to the east coast next week for some offshore action, mahi mahi, wahoo, kings, cobia, grouper, red spapper, etc.
Walk on the beach at sunset is one of my favorites, stay out of the water though, I just got hit hard by a stingray, OUCH!!!!
And I've had this peculiar desire to woodgrain everything I can. Getting a lot of cool samples for my portfolio.
I knew people did things other than signs!
Cheers
Posted by Douglas Emerson (Member # 3342) on :
I am an adventurous soul! Skydiving is one of my favorite extreme hobbies. But I also enjoy "normal" things, hiking, camping and working out to name a few. I am also a magician for about the last 25 years. Wanna see a trick? Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
We like riding horses and flying in our plane - but not at the same time.
Posted by Rich Stebbing (Member # 368) on :
The past couple of weeks I have attend some SF Giants playoff games, but have not been able to score any World Sries TIX (fr*%#t!).
Ski season is just around the corner.
Letterhead Events and Sign Shows are fun, and there is one upcoming in spring in Las Vegas.
Here in California I can Golf year-round, yes!
Love the water, boating/sailing etc.
Travel is a favorite,... Muai in 10 more days!
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
You know I love people, so whatever that entails! Family is wonderful, and I think the best things that ever happened to me is having children. I really love the way they surprise me with their love! Loving the outdoors, and animals is natural for me, or spending time figuring out how things work by tearing them apart and putting them back together. Exploring natures wonders leaves me breathless...Mind over matter is my motto, since there is much more to life than meets the eye. You may find me going out to pull a weed and staying there all day planting. I love to dive in the tropics and travel. Archaology and star gazing are popular with me, along with swimming and traveling, whether it be on bike, foot, or balloon in the wild blue yonder. Here's wishing you a great day!
[ October 17, 2002, 12:07 AM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
i'M JUST A KID ON A BIKE(S).
Mountain biking, XC or DH, it's all good, urban ride too. Rode Burke Mt. Sunday, Espresso on Fromme today, and offered to give my 19 yr. old son a ride to Hope (100 east, he's hitchhiking up to Nelson to get work on the ski hill for the winter...HI MYRA!!! it's workin' out ok, eh!)....Oh yeah, takin' my DH bike along to Hope, they've got Great Trails.
Taking long walks with my wife, neighbourhoods, observing houses, gardens.
Travelling(France is a favourite)...NC is pretty nice too.
John Lennig / SignRider
Posted by rattler (Member # 2344) on :
Great topic!
I climb telephone poles, tall ladders and try not to fall in a single bound... (my bill paying job, a phone technician) I take my kids fishing, hiking or spend most of the evening following my kids from one school event to another. The rest of the time that I should spend sleeping I keep coming up with excuses to paint anything that doesn't move fast enough. And after I've got enough thinner under my belt I bend a few strings on one of my guitars. Posted by Jackson Smart (Member # 187) on :
Riding my motorcycle
Hiking in the Olympic National Park (my backyard)
Canoeing in the lakes in my backyard...enjoying nature.
Twice a week pool league. Monday- 9-ball (for money) Thursday 8-ball (no money...practice for 9-ball and money)
Enjoying my family
and finally....thinking about making signs... Posted by Mikes Mischeif (Member # 1744) on :
My wife and I have been doing this twice a month. I have been thinking about making it my hobbie and owning one.
Nothing like it, Period.
Posted by Ernie&DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
It's hunting season in upstate NY. Turkeys and Deer outnumber the people in some places.
Nothing like spending the day in a treestand. It gives you lots of time to think about retirement.
ernie
Posted by Mike Kelly (Member # 2037) on :
I have three teenage daughters, so obviously I have plenty to keep me busy. All three play in the high school marching band. My wife, Ellen, is "Uniform Mom", and I work with the "Pit Crew", and weekends are reserved for competitions, football games and parades. Plus, I play drums with 3 different bands: Boys in Trouble, the Flying Saucers, and Johnny Girouard and the Lonely Ones. Three or four gigs a month, plus band rehearsals, who the heck has time to run a sign business?.................
Posted by Mike Lavallee (Member # 320) on :
when I'm not bent over a custom motorcycle tank or a hotrod fender my absolute favorite thing to do is to be in the outdoors, whether I'm calling to a wild turkey gobbler from some distant hilltop or sitting in my treestand bowhunting whitetails watching the world wake up or watching the sun go down over a spruce covered ridge in Canada. there is something that happens at the moment when the sun goes down and the daytime activity of nature stops and the animals and sounds and smells of the night take over that can be just amazing to witness. you just sit there, nobody around and nature goes right by you as if you where invisable. its incredible! I can't get enough of it, it's nourishment for my soul. its what keeps me going when the stresses of doing my job get me frazzled. I also love movies, comedies, horor films and action adventures.
also I try and do artwork for myself like I used to do before my business took over my talent. I usually try and do pieces that I can give to friends on special occasions, birthdays,Christmas, etc. Mike
[ October 17, 2002, 02:55 PM: Message edited by: Mike Lavallee ]
Posted by Jeff Bailey (Member # 1975) on :
Nice 426 Bruce!!! It's a great sport!! Here I am sampling some Oregon sand. heheee... ooops...
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Yeah I could definately get into the race car driving deal. What a rush. Motorcycles look fun too. Skydiving......I DON'T THINK SO!!!!
Posted by Tim (Member # 1699) on :
When called to duty, I get to race the big red truck! With lights and sirens! So you better get outta my way. I am a volunteer firefighter and spend much time with practice and training. Believe me, there is no better adrenaline rush than when my pager goes off. We run into what everyone else is running away from!
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
......BSing with CHERYL! HAH!
Posted by Judy Hilliker (Member # 236) on :
This is my grandson, Austin. I enjoy him every chance I can - almost 6 months.
..........I don't know how to post a picture here, I'll have to email Barb or Steve with the picture so they can post it. He's the most adorable baby around. Judy
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
Another dirt tracker here, although I don't drive anymore cept for hot laps now and then. I'm the mechanic on my sons car. Been into racing since '58, it's more addictive then the sign thing. A lot of sign painters over the years have been racers and since the advent of the plotters, a lot of racers have become sign makers. The thrill of the competition and the challanges of getting the car set up each week really appeal to me. Another thing is the comradire, I'd say it's a guy thing , the comradire, but I've got a couple of female friends that are really into it. One is not only a good driver but she builds the engines for and is the mechanic on her husbands modified. I also like to catch as much live music as possible, I'm a big music lover. I'm currently seeking a concert companion. I'm also getting ready to start delving into some dimensional art of some sort.
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
1.) Full time single dad 2.) Venture Crew Advisor 3.) E.M.T. ConEd 4.) Mountain Biking/Kayaking 5.) My new dog
Posted by Roy Frisby (Member # 736) on :
My past time is motorcycling and ham radio. Oh yes, between motorcycling, ham radio & the sign business, I am a sword swallower and fire eater at the local circus and fill in for the live rattlesnake handler at the roadside animal world.
Posted by John Hugentober (Member # 3316) on :
1. Pretending to be a Sr. Engineer in the Semiconductor Industry. (My day job) 2. Restoring old cars, especially Pontiacs. http://groups.msn.com/VintagePontiacs/ourcars.msnw?pgmarket=en-us 3. Restoring other People's Cars and providing restoration services. 4. Trying to be a good husband and father to my two daughters, Andrea 15 and Shelby 5. 5. Hosting "Hugentoberfest"! A 4 -day event that coincides with the Trans Am Nationals each year. Friends come from all over North America, pitch tents, wrench on their cars, have fun and BS. http://groups.msn.com/VintagePontiacs/hugentoberfest.msnw These are all folks from a Pontiac Mailing List.
Great Topic Cheryl,
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
Golf almost daily. Fast weekend motorcycle runs on twisty backroads on weekend mornings. Playing with my two shop snakes Monty and Piney.
Posted by Rich Lampman (Member # 1148) on :
Wow....
Great to see so many sign professionals are into racing and family. Thats me too.
I am jackman on a Busch North Race Team, takes up most weekends during the summer traveling all over the northeast. (Surprising that i also sponsor the car with my graphics, lol)
I have three daughters, 17, 14, 9. My 14 and 9 year old are cheerleaders for pop warner football. this takes up my fall...going to practices three times a week and games on sunday. Dont forget the Cheerleading competitions (County, States, Regionals, then Nationals in Disney) Last year we made it to Regionals in NJ. I help out at every practice and participate during games too. My wife is the team Mom. My oldest just wants a car....
If there are any free time left I like to bowl (215 avg.) Golf occasionally but i really love to fish.
Posted by John Hugentober (Member # 3316) on :
Roy,
I forgot to mention one other hobby...
Ham Radio!
CQ DX, CQ DX.... W8CSK
Posted by Wilson Ardmore (Member # 3230) on :
For total enrichment...there is nothing better than "ART". That means painting,sculpture, writing, and going back to school as in Cal State. It has been a real pleasure to get away from all the sign so-called business of today from what I know as a trade. Sounds bitter but its a reality that looks, acts and sounds synthetic. I am not opposed to the plastic side of signs, only the ugliness of lazy design and layouts that bring the word "SIGNS" to the level of ridicule. (my militant stance emerging,sorry) I have found that people pay for good "ART" and don't care much about what a sign looks like, so they will go for the cheap fast stuff of amatuer quality. So when not doing signs, I am making a great living at doing art. I also subscribe completely to Mike LaVallee's, idea of being but not seen. Nature will never lie to you. "The truth will set us free" God, has talent to spare and he and I are very happy with the split !
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
(go figure) ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
(better get a new bolt for your front door)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
(tonsils, uvula, and anything else they could rip out, quite painful ![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
but hopefully my sleep apnea days will be history ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
