Other hobbies that give you an edge

[awiec]

I don't think anyone does lol. I considered industry but it's not for me. Is it a 2 year program? Bet that thesis is gonna be a blast haha. I've never done any chromatography since our lab is an undergrad lab. Lucky lab tech lol. I gotta find either a temporary job or a summer or winter program that does ELISA or RT-PCR because I desperately need that on my CV. That's really awesome though!! what kind of jobs are there for your degree?

If I went hardcore it could be a 2 year degree, 3 years is probably more reasonable IF I get a project in the works this year, I'm still learning what is and is not possible. As for job I could get a job at the big biotech firms like Pioneer, Simplot or even big bad Monsanto. But the sciences are very helpful for a spider hobby, digging up scientific papers, patience and I know a few prominent arachnologist as well.

 

[IHeartTs]

If I went hardcore it could be a 2 year degree, 3 years is probably more reasonable IF I get a project in the works this year, I'm still learning what is and is not possible. As for job I could get a job at the big biotech firms like Pioneer, Simplot or even big bad Monsanto. But the sciences are very helpful for a spider hobby, digging up scientific papers, patience and I know a few prominent arachnologist as well.

Oh wow. Yeah that seems reasonable. I wouldn't wanna rush either. I've found it helpful as well. Not only that but just being able to draw conclusions based on only a little information. I'm thinking of zoology but I'll probably just stick with my intended plan of microbiology. Do you know what tracks in school they took? Like bio, zoology, entamology etc.

 

[awiec]

Oh wow. Yeah that seems reasonable. I wouldn't wanna rush either. I've found it helpful as well. Not only that but just being able to draw conclusions based on only a little information. I'm thinking of zoology but I'll probably just stick with my intended plan of microbiology. Do you know what tracks in school they took? Like bio, zoology, entamology etc.

As far as I know they did the standard bio track and then went to a grad school with arachnology. We do have an etemology dept but not arach as far as I know.

 

[IHeartTs]

As far as I know they did the standard bio track and then went to a grad school with arachnology. We do have an etemology dept but not arach as far as I know.

I haven't heard of more than maybe one or two arachnology programs. Pretty impressive for them!

 

[viper69]

Tai chi really? Yep that sounds crazy to me.

For me, the arcane "art" of COMMUNICATING with other OWNERS in PERSON. Crazytalk I know!

 

[Ceymann]

Reefkeeping/growing and propagating SPS corals, particularly the genus Acropora, probably some of the most difficult animals to keep alive in captivity, not many had success until the early-middle 90s. Trained me to provide correct husbandtry to any captive animal I keep no matter the cost or effort. I also meditate and workout regularly, treat my body as my temple. I have very fast reflexes yet, still have the ability to remain calm.

 

[Moonohol]

I build Gunpla models, which was a hobby I just got in to shortly before my obsession with Ts began. I've found the plastic manipulation skills gained from it very useful in building my own enclosures!

 

[louise f]

I am making flower decorations for funerals, weddings...Once i wished to be an undertaker, but never really got that dream come true.
Besides from my flower decors, I love to bake cakes to family and friends, as soon as i have the time for it. And i love to clean my house, hehe but that`s not an hobby i know

 

[magicmed]

Let's see...reptile and fish keeping I believe give me an "edge" because it got me used to fasting, shedding, hiding, etc. Before I got my first t.

Im Big on DIY and making stuff, so I think that gives me an edge on making enclosures, I think I get some nifty ideas from it, as well as having plenty of tools and knowledge on their use.

It may not be a hobby, more of a trait, but I'm rather reclusive and semi antisocial in regular life, so the urges to communicate and learn here help me a lot I believe.

 

[EulersK]

... what other hobbies have you guys found that contribute to your abilities as a keeper?

Meth.

Helps with the reflexes.

 

[EulersK]

In all seriousness though, my other hobby doesn't help me at all personally with the spiders, but they enjoy it quite a bit. Computers. I run a home server system for myself and friends/family, a network of between 3 and 5 computers. At least 3 are running at all times in the same room. Which is why my T room is the same as my server room. It can get toasty in there, which helps a lot year round.

 

[Hellblazer]

Keeping snakes most of my life has helped to some degree. I think learning how to safely handle firearms at an early age also taught me to take certain things seriously when necessary.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Once i wished to be an undertaker, but never really got that dream come true.

Muahahahahahah I love your humour my friend

 

[louise f]

Muahahahahahah I love your humour my friend

Hahahaha. No it is true, not joking here. You know, you will never have to argue with a dead person. Easy job Hehe that was a joke.
With my work with old people i have seen my share of deaths. And thats what got me interested in The undertaker job.

 

[Alana]

I worked in a hospital for many years, and I think that helps me stay calm and not panic when unexpected things happen (like Ts doing a runner during rehousing). 25 years of reptile keeping makes me more relaxed about animals that do not feed frequently or go into hiding for weeks on end. And my obsessive need to research and read everything I possibly can definitely helps with enclosure design, husbandry, etc.

 

[Jeff23]

I do lots of things in the dark. This actually started long before I got my spiders. A little while back I lived with my folks in their basement for a couple of weeks as I transitioned by UHaul from Atlanta to Greenville. My mom would come down the stairs randomly to talk and asked why I didn't use the lights. I told her that watching movies or using the computer with lights on is not needed.

I found at a certain point that getting use to doing things in the dark (or semi-dark at least) makes you become more organized (forces you to control your storage locations of objects and not create tripping hazards doh!). It also saves on the power bill (cooling in summer). I can fill all of my spiders water dishes with a syringe with just the smallest amount of light. I have also redone my bedroom with only red lights for those situations where I do need light.

EDIT* This white background sure is bright

 

[Sana]

I do lots of things in the dark. This actually started long before I got my spiders. A little while back I lived with my folks in their basement for a couple of weeks as I transitioned by UHaul from Atlanta to Greenville. My mom would come down the stairs randomly to talk and asked why I didn't use the lights. I told her that watching movies or using the computer with lights on is not needed.

I found at a certain point that getting use to doing things in the dark (or semi-dark at least) makes you become more organized (forces you to control your storage locations of objects and not create tripping hazards doh!). It also saves on the power bill (cooling in summer). I can fill all of my spiders water dishes with a syringe with just the smallest amount of light. I have also redone my bedroom with only red lights for those situations where I do need light.

EDIT* This white background sure is bright

Funny thing, I work in a theater. I spend a majority of my time in the dark backstage. I hadn't really thought about it being helpful with the tarantulas but it sure is handy to have good vision in the dark.

 

[Haemus]

I've found that cooking is a good hobby to have with Ts. The idea of "Mise en place" or being well prepared and organized, comes to mind. Also helps that any veggies bits I don't eat goes to my feeders

 

[Garth Vader]

My job as a metal health therapist has helped me be interested and open minded as I learn about Ts. I have learned in my career to not assume, to observe behaviors, to be very patient and to always consider goals (my goals and the goals of the other person or animal). It's been interesting to apply these principles with a T as they are so different than humans, but observing and learning continues to be interesting and I think, helpful. I also have a dedicated mindfulness/ meditation practice and have found it helps when I observe urges to check my Ts when it might not be necessary and disturb them during the day when, in my wise mind, I know they are better off getting peace and quiet.