I'd like to preface this post by explaining how household finances are managed. To avoid any major fights about money, we have a budget. We each contribute $X and get an allowance every month.
Our bills are always paid, we get to vacation, most discussions over money usually end with one of us saying, "oh yeah, that's why we have a budget."
Our intention was to have at least yearly budget meetings but after the first two we both quietly took the attitude "if it ain't broke..."
All of that being said- can video slot machines be considered a hobby?
Occasionally I will join my significant other at these establishments. While I cringe at the thought of losing even $20.00, it's worth the few hours of entertainment (I play penny machines VERY slowly) that it brings him in what I can only call his hobby. As it should be in a good marriage, he will occasionally indulge and patiently wait as I investigate a new yarn store- even suggesting souvenir yarn.
When he really doesn't feel like being alone, he will gladly hand over the cash to let me play, but there is an underlying understanding that if I'm not going to gamble it, it might be better if I just gave it back.
Similarly, if he suddenly took an interest in learning to knit, I would happily buy him the finest fibers available. The same rule would apply. If you're going to tie that Koigummm around your finger to remind you to go to the dentist, pass it on over. I'll remember the dentist and knit with the Koigumm while you're there.
In fact, if I have the cash (from aforementioned allowance) I don't give the cost of yarn for a size XL baby alpaca cardigan a second thought. His time at the slot machines is the same to him and he doesn't end up cluttering the house or attracting moths.
The astute among you might suggest that I have something to show for my hours of time spent with yarn and yet... the FO's that I have been happy with happen at approximately the same rate as his "jackpots."
So what's a hobby? Around here it would seem it's all about the possible rewards weighed against the risks-both in fiber and at the slot machines and, come to think of it, Life.
8 comments:
My husband's only hobby is exercising (gym, running, mountain biking...). He is barely marginally tolerant of my knitting. My feeling is, my hobby, although more expensive, can be done while I am fulfilling my household- and child-rearing duties, while paying attention to others, does not take time away from the family, and does not require him to stay home with the kids while I do it. Unlike his. Naturally, he does not recognize my superior moral position on this issue.
To me a hobby is an area of expertise or skill that one has developed that is separate from one's work...given that definition, video slots really don't qualify. But if you've set out a budget and there is $ set aside for your husband to spend it however he wants, then I don't see anything wrong with it.
I feel like I play the 'lotto' every time I cast on 'cuz I never know if its going to payout for me or if I blew my time and money on a empty. I guess if I were better at math and attention to detail I could beat the odds ang to vegas and hit the jackpot.
Good thoughts on life, as usual, makes me think.
and the irony of ironies....
Uber wrote I guess if I were better at math and attention to detail I could beat the odds ang to vegas and hit the jackpot.
In spite of his undergrad in math, his masters in computer science, and having taught statistics for several semesters at the university, he feels the same way about the slots- when he loses, he's "just not doing it right!"
my husband's hobby is drinking beer. granted he makes beer for a living so maybe it doubles as work-related research. anyway, i think sometimes he's a little jealous of my knitting--because i devote so much time to it, get so much pleasure from it. i don't know--maybe it's just me feeling guilty because many nights i'd rather stay up late and knit rather than head to bed. who knows?
I just saw the picture on the side...
I'm sorry for your loss.
Sounds like you and you husband have a good system! Ours is more, "Don't ask, don't tell..."
Mine likes online poker and I crave MORE. YARN!
My ADD husband's hobbies are collecting cars and model trains. Whereas my stash fits -- defining "fits" rather loosely -- into four Rubbermaid tubs, his cars require three two-car garages and a 25'x40' pole barn. The model trains fill the dining room, the train room, and the three-season porch. And the attic. And the linen closet.
He also likes to play the slots at the casino, but thank FSM he quits if he isn't winning.
Could be worse, though. He could be chasing women and/or drinking and/or doing drugs. (Can you tell I'm a patient person? :) )
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