doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com The subject of "fun"

I was on the hopper this morning, reading some propaganda on my cellphone (which, as usual, was masquerading as news) and there was an article included about end-of-life regrets. A 90-something individual being interviewed by this smarmy 20-something reporter was complaining about not having enough fun in his life. It sounded like he had worked long and hard, making lots of money, but now that he was an old codger he was lamenting the fact that he'd not really "lived". Now...this subject has been on my mind of-late and it's curious how this article allowed me to find a little clarity. I've always had a bit of guilt about having too-much fun. It's not something one plans for in life, and it's really an organic process when you think about it. You just have to take advantage of the situation when the opportunity presents itself (make hay while the sun shines, eh?). My 20-something son tells me that this is purely due to the timing and place of my birth in this world (the good 'ole US of A in the late 1950s) and he might be onto something (I've always tried to count my blessings & God knows I've had plenty of 'em). While the world is far-less innocent now than it was then, I always figured that it was my "duty" to make each day as good as I could. If that included a bike ride or a swim as a kid, or an armed walk in the beautiful out-of-doors as a young man, or a trip to a clean and clear trout stream in mid-life then, then why the heck not? That includes a few fun old cars (and even some fun old girlfriends as well I suppose). My working life wasn't anything to get too-excited about, and that's probably because I didn't (& wouldn't) sell my life cheaply. I made decent wages and worked steadily-along, all the while having a few hobbies along the way to keep things engaging. I know so-many folks now that are either entering retirement or approaching that big date and they seem to be furiously attempting to have "fun". Travelling extensively, buying new and expensive things (cars, homes, liposuction, etc.) riding their mountain bikes 30-miles a day, dieting and generally working-out at a tremendous pace, all in the name of "fun" (I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!). I suppose that by now, nobody will ever mistake me for being too Type-A, and what's more...I simply don't fear getting older. I figure that by now I've earned that privilege.

I've also come to the conclusion that "fun" can't be forced, and that along with "happiness" it must be organic and possibly "earned". I know that circumstances play a big role here (avoiding tragedy is key, and that's as much "luck" as it is "smarts") but you also have to be open to having a little fun once in a while. Obsessive/compulsive things are seldom "fun" by that simple definition, and moreover, activities undertaken with like-minded friends (and family) are usually even more "fun". Another thing, it's the simple things that seem to be the most rewarding. A walk and chat with an old friend, a cold beer at the bar with a buddy, a lunch with a former co-worker, all of these are pretty wonderful when you think about it. A good meal shared is always a big plus, anywhere and anytime.

All right, I feel better now. Appreciate your forbearance here. Carry on.

I am 50. I’ve done a lot of fun stuff. I am very lucky and blessed to have been able to do the things that I have done backpacking multiple times out west went on my third trip fishing at boundary Waters with my son this summer, the nut nearly as extensive, as a lot of people on here I have a pretty good collection that I enjoy shooting. I kind of roll with life and and find things that I enjoy to incorporate into whatever I am doing. I enjoy him radio so in 2022 when I went to Philmont scout Ranch with my youngest son , I took a radio climb some mountains set up an antenna on top and talk all over using Morse code. Some people thought I was crazy for taking the extra weight. I just thought of it as a challenge and enjoyed every minute of it.

Lloyd,
Very well put! I feel exactly the same and at 77, I've pondered on it as well. I still enjoy life, but realize that just because I can still do some activities, doesn't mean that I necessarily should!
Karl

Fun is where you find it. Family, friends, strangers have all been fun to know and be around. Fun was fishing as a boy, hunting with both of my grandfathers, my Christmas present when I was 12 of a Model 12/28gauge. Fun was my first blue marlin. Fun was watching everyone of my kids be born and watching them grow up.

I may be one of the last living people to have seen and heard a punt gun used on the Chesapeake bay. I was there, but not in charge. Adding 30 to my age tells me I am the only one in that group who is alive. I might have been the only non smoker among the group. That was back in Smith Island with a cousin who had the punt gun. He claimed it was lost about a year later but I suspect that was a story told to take the heat off.

Fun was killing 10 ducks when we had a point system and still being legal within the daily point limit. Teal were ten points on a hundred point system. I shot ten teal, once in my life. And no I did not go ten for ten, but used up less than a box of shells.

Fun is watching my father’s last hunt with my two sons. 15/23 on doves that day. Not bad for a 90 year old man, with a borrowed gun and one working eye. Gives me hope I’ll have a bit more fun.

Fun is being with or watching others fish, hunt or just talk about their family memories. Almost like being there sometimes. Fun is what this board has been for me for nearly 30 years. Fun is planning to introduce my grandkids to shooting and fishing so they can return the favor for their kids and grandkids. Fun is sometimes things I did, sometimes things I did for others or what they did for me. Fun is where you find it if you are smart enough to know it is fun at the time.

If someone believes it is so, it can be fun to admire a collection or accumulation, or add to it. If it is not a fun feeling to divest of worldly things, I figure don’t do it. Whether it’s a walk over to the fridge for a snack, or lugging a big bag of dekes in gumbo, it’s probably more fun to move around a bit.

Fun is a state of mind. Fun happens at some of the least fun junctions in my day to day life.

Take it all in, and enjoy it. Beats the alternatives.

Best,
Ted

Ted's got it right, a dirt-nap ends all the fun.

It’s hedonic calculus. What we do to achieve pleasure and avoid pain.

Holding a great grandson and thinking about his first deer or fish is fun a 79-year-old can have but a 30-year-old can't.
Mike

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