In a slump

[Clint Ormosen]

I just can't seem to get going on anything lately. Since returning from VSC, I've been totally apathetic about model airplanes. I thought I might get motivated again by attending the NW regional, but with the heat here in CA, I won't be able to get away for the contest. My shop is a mess and I don't feel like cleaning. I have several profiles ready for finishing that aren't getting done. I have a Tempest kit laid out on the bench that just seems like such an insurmountable task right now that I can't even look at it. I haven't done any flying and I barley glance at the forums.
Hope I snap out of this soon.

[John Miller]

It happens often Clint. It seems that we get ourselves through a building program, and then can't seem to get going again.

Often, it seems that the task is too big, or not needed. (After all, we have a perfectly good new airplane.)

So, here's what is helpful to me.

I take a little time with another interest, You and I share one, if I remember right. I'll backpack into the wilderness and spend a few days, perhaps do that several times. I'll fly my new plane, and get it all trimmed out. Go to a contest and compete, and set a date for me to get back to the shop and onto that next project.

Mark it on your calander, write it on the wall, whatever it takes for you to make a commitment to the shop.

Since many of us, at this point see the enormity of the project, and find it difficult to get going, commit yourself to only 15 minutes a day in the shop. We all can find 15 minutes. Go into the shop and work on something for 15 minutes. Put it down, and leave the shop for the day. Do this every day, and you'll be amazed at how much is getting done.

Pretty soon, you'll be past that point that stuck you up. You'll find enjoyment in the process. 15 minutes won't seem long enough, and you'll start setting goals to accomplish before leaving for the day.

Try it, it works.

[tom hampshire]

   For me.\, it's simple.  Sweep up the shop.  That one thing can change my whole outlook.

[Clint Ormosen]

I take a little time with another interest, You and I share one, if I remember right. I'll backpack into the wilderness and spend a few days, perhaps do that several times. I'll fly my new plane, and get it all trimmed out. Go to a contest and compete, and set a date for me to get back to the shop and onto that next project.

That's good idea. In fact I've spent quite a bit of time lately doing some shooting. It's something I've always enjoyed but rarely did. Two of my daughters are old enough to shoot as well and I've purchased a couple more .22 cal. rifles so they could join me. We're having a blast, and that's something special since there is very little we all have in common.

[Randy Powell]

Clint,

Yea, I understand. Work has taken a lot of my energy lately and I've had other projects. I map out some time for the shop but where I get out there, I just don't feel like doing anything. Bit of a slump, I guess. I was already thinking about not going to the Regionals, then my son called and is moving next weekend and really needs my help and more importantly, my truck. So I spent some time cleaning it up and getting it ready for some extended duty (I don't drive it much - just to the dump and haul lumber and such locally). Then there was the chainsaw that needed fixing and the door on my car and ... well you get the picture. Just been too tired and involved in other stuff to be all that interested in flying or building.

We all go through this from time to time. I suspect I'll get rolling again in a month or so.

[Randy Ryan]

I hear you Clint. I've got the Gladiator in base color and can't seem to get any further. I got into the Nobler and got if done, now I just don't feel like doing much though I have been puttzing with the bikes. Its been way windy here and wet to boot, so I haven't flown yet this spring.

[Clint Ormosen]

Randy R, I forgot about the stuff I was going to send you, but I'll do it.

[Randy Ryan]

Randy R, I forgot about the stuff I was going to send you, but I'll do it.

No problem Clint, when you get around to it.

[Bob Reeves]

That's good idea. In fact I've spent quite a bit of time lately doing some shooting. It's something I've always enjoyed but rarely did. Two of my daughters are old enough to shoot as well and I've purchased a couple more .22 cal. rifles so they could join me. We're having a blast, and that's something special since there is very little we all have in common.

Funny how most that are into airplanes are also into other like hobbies. motorcycles, music and guns seem to be pretty common. I came up with the idea of building a shooting range strictly for members of the Gluedobbers. I was really surprised at the number of club members that responded to my inquiry, almost everyone. As soon as it dries out enough we are going to build up a dirt bullet stop and one of the club members is building shooting benches. When it's too windy to fly or we just get board we will be able to do a little plinking..

[Dalton Hammett]

**********************************
Hi Guys

       We have seen the same things with our litle group, The Bean Hill Flyers.   We have had some Family picnic/fun flys  that ended with a sing along around a fire.   The fun fly/clay pigeon shoot has been suggested and may be the next thing.    We have also had a couple of "bring your plane and 4-wheeler" events !!

Dalton H.

[James C. Johnson]

Make a list and do the easiest things first... the list shrinks faster that way.. I agree with cleaning the shop... organizing, discarding.. selling and giving stuff away helps too... most of us are "hoarders"... right now I have been getting rid of props, spinners, magazines.... ect... my life is too short for what my mind thinks it can do.. so I am prioritizing again..

The best thing I can do is fix a wreck.. I have a Sheeks Scottsman that I landed inverted and have been packing around so long the flaps have curled... it was a swell plane... it deserves more than I have given it...

Jim 

[Will Hinton]

I guess I have a totally different approach than everyone else.  This winter I have not put more than five hours total into airplanes - just not in the mood.  When I get like that, I simply forget about them.  Let'em go.  I find other things to pass my spare time.  It's really helped in getting my new book done, it comes out this month as a result of the boredom with airplanes!
I find other things to do completely disassociated with flying.  After all, if I'm not in the mood, I am capable of having some pretty sad workmanship sitting on the bench!
I've already taken a whole week off from working on a client's instrument because of the same possible results!  They know going in that they'll get when I get it done.  Same goes for the stunt circle.
Blessings,
Will

[Larry Fulwider]

Clint --

A list of "must-do" items from the "head-of-the-household" generally creates a passionate desire for the joys of modeling again.

Should I have my wife call your wife? 

Larry Fulwider

[Randy Powell]

I should say that when I've had enough of planes, I go back to playing computer games and fooling with computers again. I've been doing a lot of that lately.

[john e. holliday]

I agree about not being able to get motivated after VSC.  Need to finish the shop organizing, after getting rid of some kits.  The weather hasn't been kind to me trying to do crossing duty.  Freezing one day and shirt sleeves the next followed by rain.   Just 6 more school days and I will be looking for work again.  I am putting the final touches to the two planes.  May have them done before summer is over.

Also trying to get mowing equipment where it's dependable.  Anyway, have the annual contest coming up in Topeka Memorial Day weekend.  But, as I have been told a few times,  "Keep a stiff upper lip and continue on".  DOC Holliday

[Clint Ormosen]

Clint --

A list of "must-do" items from the "head-of-the-household" generally creates a passionate desire for the joys of modeling again.

Should I have my wife call your wife? 

Larry Fulwider

NO NO NO!!! I have enough crap to do as it is!

The last time I took a break from airplanes, it lasted about a decade. I've hit them pretty hard and heavy the last three years. Maybe my problem is that I don't do hobbies in moderation. It's just go go go untill some degree of burnout occurs. I do the same thing when it comes to my other hobbies (VW's, pipe organs, guns, whatever).

Just need to get back on track here.