Sometimes, it's hard for me to see myself having a passion for anything anymore. Real life seems to have stolen much of my passion. When I can escape from real life, I still like photography which I started in 1984. I still like hiking, and I've done hiking to some extent or another for most of my life. I don't work out as much as I should, but I still have and use a cheapie weight bench that my father bought for me 30 years ago when I was a kid. When I was a little kid, I liked to watch birds in the back yard. When we had a snow, we'd put seed on the back porch, and I'd sit by the window watching them come to eat. I didn't pay that much attention to birds for years, but I started birdwatching about five years ago. Some of that passion has waned in the past year, but I still like seeing them and watching them.
An interesting twist on this question is how long I've waited to start some hobbies. I've been interested in ocean/recreational kayaking since about 1987 when a roommate suggested that I might like this sport. I had some unsuccessful attempts to try kayaking throughout the 90's, but my situation in life always made purchase of a kayak a bad choice. I kept looking for a chance, and in 2000, I was finally in a situation where I could buy a kayak. I don't go as much as I'd like, but I went kayaking half a dozen or so times last year.
Ok, now....is there something you used to do that you now think "I can't believe I used to like that!"
There's nothing that really fits that definition precisely. When I was younger, I was very involved in cave exploration. Today, I've developed claustrophobia and sometimes cringe just thinking about places that I used to go. However, I still see why caving appealed to me, and I could still visit many caves that don't have tight places. This sport was good for me, and I don't regret that pursuit.
In the early 90's, I was an avid cyclist. I regret that I no longer live where I can easily ride from home, but I just don't feel safe on area roads. I miss cycling very much.
Through most of the 80's and early 90's, I was a dedicated and practicing Christian. If you'd told me then that I'd someday go ten years without going to church, I'd have told you that you were crazy. I think it's now been almost eleven years since I attended church. I see how church is good for many people. There were things about my involvement in church that were good for me. On the other hand, there were many things about that involvement that were very bad for me. I wouldn't say that I can't believe that I used to like that life, but I don't long to go back.
What was your favorite band/song in highschool, then early adulthood compared to now?
This question is somewhat related to the last one. In my teen and early adult years, I was a fan of Christian music because I was very dedicated to practicing Christianity. Now, I don't really have "favorite" music with which I identify.
Is there anything in your interests, hobbies or life that would surprise people who know you?
People who know me are no longer surprised by anything. However, I'm certainly unconventional in many respects. I'm an engineer who writes a great deal and generally writes well. I've dabbled in some fiction, and my acquaintances would be shocked to think of me writing these stories. My pets are a ball python and a California kingsnake.
Well, that's enough. These are good questions. Thanks for asking.
Bill