When I'm not Modding...

So it dawned on me that when I'm not modifying Nerf or Laser Tag blasters... I'm modifying everything else.  From my cars to my home, if it's mine, I've gotta leave my mark on it.  It took me a little bit, but I took a step back, I was able to see that these hobbies just illuminate what I do everywhere else.  Even my office at work is unmistakably mine.  So when I'm not modding... I'm modding!

When it really comes down to it, I value being unique.  I take pride in creating and strengthening my identity as an individual.  This is the only Blog out there that focuses on Nerf & Laser Tag.  I'm the only person who's turned a Super Soaker into a Laser Tag Sniper Rifle.  It's not that I crave fame or attention so I do things to stand out, but that I like leaving my mark on things.  I used to use my hobbies as a way to relax and enjoy my free time.  So when I didn't have time to do that this past week because I was painting the living room and working on my car, you'd think I'd be stressed out... but I had a familiar feeling of accomplishment when I was done.  That's when I realized that this hobby of tinkering with stuff lies deeper in my character.  It defines me, which is what really drives me in whatever I do.

There's another part to just modding though that really pays off for me.  To me, there's no better reward for putting time and effort into something than to go out and enjoy the results of that work!  I practice a tough lick in my basement and then go play with my Big Band and nail it on stage.  I get a new stove, cook a meal on it, and then enjoy it with my fiance.  I work on the car all weekend and then go take it rallying.  I get an awesome mod completed on a laser tag blaster and then host a game with all my friends to play.  There's great satisfaction going out and feeling the effects of what you worked on.

I used to be unbalanced and two-sided with this.  I loved my hobbies and hated to work on anything else.  The disconnect I had between the two widened and I didn't find enjoyment with everyday life.  But as I grew, I found that when I took a step back and found out what I really loved about my hobbies, I applied that drive to other things in my life.  Cleaning up the house, taking care of the lawn, going to work, etc... I put my abilities to make my hobbies better to making everything else better, too.

I suppose what I hope you take away from reading this more than figuring out who I am, but letting you explore what's really important to you.  When you figure that out, I believe you can put your talents to work with just about everything and enjoy what you do more often.  For many of you reading this, you're probably on the same page as me.  We like to create, to take pride in the work that you do, and to make a name for yourself.  My Music, cars, games, photography, costumes, home, and my future with Mrs. Bazookafied, they're all reflections of what's at my core.  In staying true to all of this, I've managed to stay happy and upbeat even through the tough times.