“Hobbies–Sports–Books I Like”

Central High School – West Allis, WI

At various times during my life I have had different hobbies. My first hobby was, I think, collecting pictures of animals. I’ve always liked all kinds of animals and about the time I was in first grade whenever I saw an animal picture I especially liked–whether it was of a lion cub, a baby kitten, or a mischievous puppy dog, I’d cut it out and save it. Pretty soon I was not satisfied with just pictures of animals; I wanted a real live pet. I finally succeeded in getting a kitten, Tuffy. We had Tuffy for about three years. After he died, I again had to satisfy myself with pictures. I’ve had other pets in the last few years. My favorite was Squeaky, a tiny black and grey kitten with a turned up nose and a mischievous expression which revealed his true character. He was accidentally killed last year. I still save a few animal pictures I find myself unable to resist and have a collection of things taking the place of pets such as a furry, white stuffed dog named “Butch” on my desk and a paper weight with a penguin inside which gives the effect of whirling snow when shaken.

Right now I have several hobbies. My favorite hobby is music–playing the piano and collecting records. I like playing both popular and classical music and wish I had time to take lessons again and really devote some time to playing. I do find time for collecting and listening to records. I enjoy all music from Beethoven’s symphonies to songs sung by Frank Sinatra. I want to have a collection of Xavier Cugat records, rhumbas and tangos, with the Latin American touch. My favorite classical composers are Tchaikovsky and Chopin.

I have several more hobbies. I have a scrapbook in which I keep the birthday cards I receive and mementos of parties and other interesting events. I’m interested in photography and like to both take and develop pictures. I also like to collect odd pieces of jewelry and to sew some of my own clothes. Someday I’d like to do some traveling and make that one of my hobbies if I can.

I like various types of sports. I especially like going to football games, both professional and school games. I also like picnics, fishing, and hiking.

Reading is another of my favorite pastimes and I enjoy reading many different kinds of books. I like novels, both historical and those taking place in the present time, fictional career books, and mystery or detective stories. I enjoy reading books by authors who make their characters seem like real people and give vivid word pictures of the setting and action so that the reader feels he’s right there himself. I like books that are written in an interesting and entertaining style and show a touch of humor.

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