Is it a Hobby, an Addiction, or a lifestyle?!

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

Hey all,

I have been wanting to start this thread for a while now, been kind of hesitant because I thought it was kind of a lame issue, until a certain family friend kept pushing her point that RC is a waste of time and money. I have been involved in RC for almost twenty years, and Giant scale RC for the last 4 years. I can't tell you how much time and money I have spent on it, but to me I wish I had more of each to spend on my obsession. Considering that we used to be a motorcross family, but after a couple of major injuries to my son, and myself, I knew I had get into something else that was a little safer for my family and for myself. After about 6 years of being out of the hobby, re-married,....... I had a decision to make, make room in our storage area and get rid of my RC past and my RC stuff......... So I took one of my son's old trainer plane, got it ready to fly and haven't looked back since, especially now that I have added giant scale 3D flying to my routine.

Now I have one our family friends criticising my obsession with big boy toys. Yes, It does take a lot of time and money but I get so much more out of it. Hell, there are a whole lot of other things I could be involved with that is much worse. RC is a big deterant from my high stress job of running an electrical construction company. I get satisfaction of being able to do a specialized flying style and get recognition for it. Even though my kids are not too interested in it, my wife and I have grown a little closer because she loves to come with me flying (whenever her job permits), and she shoots and edits videos of me flying. Sometimes she critiques and helps me do the manuevers better. This hobby made me realize too that I have a great wife! Another good thing about this hobby is all of the flying buds and friends I have made over the years. So far RC Flying has been all three for me, A hobby, an obsession, and now a lifestyle.

What do you guys think?

[RollingHarrier]

Guilty on all three counts. I work so I can fly!
Addiction:
Every time I see something new that I like I have to have it!
Obsession:
All I can think of is the next maneuver to learn or trying some different setup on the ‘plane.
Hobby:
This is where it all started and to the lame people who don’t understand this is what I tell them this whole thing is.
oh well I’m addicted.

[btomlinson]

Keep Flying... Its your life IMHO this hobby is very affordable .. If you don't think so go buy a Harley, Play golf, Take up Bass fishing, Casinos, Classic cars.. etc
Its the stereotype of " toy" airplanes that 99% of the people picture.

[zivbit]

Its an illness...
and the cure is buying more planes....

Ziv

[thunder]

All of the above.

[rdgood]

Flying Hawaiian,

Duude your OK...

This hobby is your passion!! The folks who are critizing you are dead!! They don't understand how to be alive or what it means to be alive!!

I live for this hobby!! I enjoy just about all the aspects of the hobby!

To me Flying RC is like eating or breathing except it is more important!!

To me I envy you - How lucky you are to have your wife be involved with your passion as well!!! Man that's awesome!!!

My wife does'nt share my passion with the hobby - although she does understand it - I think. Yes I too have dumped alot of money into the hobby - I'm flying my 4th 40%er now as well as the smaller ones..
IMHO - the guy who is critisizing is totally screwed in the head...he obviously doesn't understand what it means to be alive in spirit

You are right on track!!

Live is too short - you are doing absolutely the right thing!!

Ronster

[luv2flyguy]

Keep on keep'in on!! Don't worry about other people's opinion, if you do you will end up just like they are, critical and mad at the world. If they would tell the truth they don't even like themselves!! Hey man it's a great hobby, let me tell you a story, if not for God and RC I would be dead !! My first wife left me for someone else years ago and I was left with nothing, a friend of mine at work got me started into RC planes as a therapy to keep me sane and of course I gave my life to Christ in the midst of all of it. So now several years later I now have a wonderful wife ( remarried) and she loves the hobby as much as I do, and supports it 100%. I now work for Hendrick Motorsports and some of the guys that I work with spend far and above on their hobbies more than I do. So long story short, it's not a waste of time and money as long as your family is being provided for and it makes you happy, it's your outlet, we could be doing a lot worse things!!!

[flying skunks]

This is a Lifestyle that instills good values for the younger generations.I am bringing my son up in this hobby,learning how to meet great friend's all over this country in a hobby that almost has no limitations.Having a six year old son that I can pall around with flying giant scale aircraft,having tons of fun with great people.Truely a Lifestyle.
Donnie

[zoomer260]

	Quote: Originally Posted by thunder
	All of the above.

Ditto, ditto, & ditto.

[Extra nuts]

Yes, it is!

[karlwatt]

	Quote: Originally Posted by RollingHarrier
	Guilty on all three counts. I work so I can fly! Addiction: Every time I see something new that I like I have to have it! Obsession: All I can think of is the next maneuver to learn or trying some different setup on the ‘plane. Hobby: This is where it all started and to the lame people who don’t understand this is what I tell them this whole thing is. oh well I’m addicted.

Ooooooooh, you are sooooo right!!!!!

[GMoney]

Bro, Your fine! Its only a problem when you are involved with every SIG the AMA has to offer and when the weekends run out and you miss a dozen or so events. Or you look through the back pages of Model Avaition just to see what events your gas card could get you too. I find myself saying its only a 12 hour drive or I dont have one of those got get one so I can drive 12 hours one way to meet with twenty other guys that have the same issues. Strange went to an event on Friday Saturday and had the same conversation with a guy and his wife that drove four hours just to watch and hang with like minded. My next event is a twetny four hour marathon. I will get up early drive 4 hours to VEGAS fly all day party into the late night and drive home all in one day. Crazy part is I have three guys that are fighting over seats in the truck and room in the trailer so they can do the same.. The only problem I have is not enough time to build and fly everything.. "I dont want them all, just one of each" See you at the field

GMONEY

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

Hey, you guys are right on the money. Even in church tonight I was thinking about airplanes, but at the same time I give thanks to GOD that He has blessed me so that I can do this great hobby. I believe that if you do not have a healthy way to release your MOJO, then why bother? Great replies guys!

[Walt]

Just don't louse it all up and turn it into a job. Then the fun's all over

[RVBlack]

	Quote: Originally Posted by luv2flyguy
	Keep on keep'in on!! Don't worry about other people's opinion, if you do you will end up just like they are, critical and mad at the world. If they would tell the truth they don't even like themselves!! Hey man it's a great hobby, let me tell you a story, if not for God and RC I would be dead !! My first wife left me for someone else years ago and I was left with nothing, a friend of mine at work got me started into RC planes as a therapy to keep me sane and of course I gave my life to Christ in the midst of all of it. So now several years later I now have a wonderful wife ( remarried) and she loves the hobby as much as I do, and supports it 100%. I now work for Hendrick Motorsports and some of the guys that I work with spend far and above on their hobbies more than I do. So long story short, it's not a waste of time and money as long as your family is being provided for and it makes you happy, it's your outlet, we could be doing a lot worse things!!!

1. Love the Lord (Christ) your GOD with all your heart, mind, and soul (strength).

2.Take care of, provide for and love your family.

3.Buy planes, fly your planes, work on your planes, practice on that simulator, check your battery volts, fill that tank, then..... well you know what to do, but don't forget to: thank HIM, praise HIM, and give HIM the glory for it all. Oh yea, I forgot one, check the weather (wind conditions) for the next day.