What makes your day?

[Dawnatello Turtle Chick]

Originally Posted by Leo656

Holy sh*t, nobody should wrestle for free. This nonsense hurts. Once a show got cancelled after we all got there, and we just did some practice matches for the website, and nobody got paid (obviously), but that's like, the biggest thing you DON'T ever want to happen. Some nights I don't get much, but I always get something. Sometimes when guys are very new, they get "paid in experience", but a lot of times that's code from the promoter, "Your match sucked so I'm not paying you, but help yourself to the leftover hot dogs." And some promoters are just shady, or like, if they have a local TV show, being on TV is your "pay", because you're getting exposure. But that's kind of frowned upon.

You just shouldn't let guys kick you in the face for no money. Ever. We all said we would, at one time. Every one of us was once a dumb kid who wanted to play-fight in front of a crowd SO badly, we said "I'd wrestle for free, just to say I did it!" And then you actually have a match, get pretty much embarrassed and physically beat to hell, maybe crack a tooth or get a minor concussion, and suddenly, not only are you thanking God you're getting paid, you're pissed they aren't paying you enough. Seriously, there's nothing like spitting small puddles of blood on a concrete floor while some yuppie in the front row laughs and tells her kid how fake it is. I love wrestling, but as fun as it is, it's way too much bullsh*t to do it for free. Nobody pays your medical bills if you get hurt. I always try and sell a ton of merchandise or "gimmicks" at intermission so I at least go home with a decent payday. Kids buy lots of pictures and bandannas and sunglasses and things like that. I easily make more money standing there hawking stuff than what I earn physically being dropped on my neck.

At one point I was working at shows about three weekends per month, but there's been a huge drop the last year and a half. The economy is still kind of rough and New Jersey has way too many wrestlers and wrestling companies, and they all think they're the only ones allowed to be in business. It's very cutthroat, and it kills a lot of the fun. Most of "Us" don't care who's paying us, we just want to work and see our fans happy. But then there's all this, "If you work for this guy, you're banned from working for that guy," and it's all very stupid and juvenile and I hate it. So I've been wrestling a lot less, about 2-3 times a month on average, but that's fine. I work seven days a week at the gym whenever I want to, and I'm too old and too short to ever get signed to a TV company, and that's fine with me. I've done sh*t in VFW halls that would get me fined a thousand bucks if I worked for WWE. I'm an "Indy Guy". That's fine. I get to spit water on people, knock out security guards and throw chairs, with little to no consequences. You only get away with that stuff on the small shows.

I talk more about it in the wrestling thread, generally, but not all that often. Some people genuinely don't care about it, and that's fine.

I can relate on how the crappy economy has hurt many industries where people flood in to create more competition but fans/customers aren't paying as much/often to go the events. It sucks it almost makes it not worth it, but then inevitably something always turns is around for me and I get over my gripe fest. That's cool that you are still able to find the work. I always try to make it a point to let people I meet who are of like mind that everyone should work hard and treat others with respect know that I appreciate them. Then we end up discussing how there are too few of us like that left.... Same thing when I see parents who have instilled manners in their children- it's hard work to do, but pays off down the road.

I cheesily gave some little boy a high five for manners yesterday at my flea market booth and his mom just beamed. We got to talking about how so many people just don't take the time to teach children these things from a young age. Then her husband finally wandered up and offered me a cake ball- I was like and you married a polite one too! We all laughed. It's genuinely lovely people like that that make my day- and give me hope for humanity.

And cake balls, cake balls make my day!

[BubblyShell22]

Hey, I love to hear your stories, Leo, so keep them coming. If others don't care, that's their business, but I love hearing that you're having fun.

[blindturtle02]

Yeah same here Leo. Feel free to share your experiences. I'm learning things about this sport from you that interest, inspire, and make me laugh all at once so that's fine by me. Yeah I figured you were getting paid. Good for you! And I'd always wondered about how juvenile folks in the business were capable of being. I suppose there's no limit to that behavior. Glad you manage to have fun with wrestling nonetheless. Some people become so bitter towards a passion of their's that the fun tends to leak out of it in no time flat. You seem to have a blast while not allowing the dipsticks to get to you. Way to be.

My mom and I were talking about those parents who tend to let their kids get away with nearly everything just the other day, Dawnatello. We were saying how refreshing it is to see parents who still know how to parent rather than being the best friend figure. That certainly makes my day. Cakeballs sound amazing. I've never had them but swear I remember them mentioned in passing somewhere. I'll have to look those up online. Doing that at present, and they do sound like they'd be awesome and addictive all at the same time!

Chocolate chip cookies make my day. Well anything chocolate usually does. I don't eat allot of it at all, but yesterday was Super Bowl sunday. Although my fiancé and I don't really watch sports, we did buy some dough from our local HEB. We plan on making a few cookies this evening. We also went out for Pizza Hut last evening in honor of TMNT returning with all new episodes. The place was a madhouse due to everyone and his/her uncle ordering, but we managed to get home with our pies. Nice to not have to worry about cooking for a day or two. A bunch of leftovers certainly make a person's day, especially if they're peperoni and extra cheese. Sure it's considered a kids' pizza but to us, its divine! haha

[BubblyShell22]

Having a boyfriend who's so supportive during trying times really makes my day, especially after hearing my sis has a brain tumor. Having support really means the world to me.

[Dawnatello Turtle Chick]

I really love this thread! Everyone posting on here just makes my day. It's nice to have a thread that's troll-free and uplifting for once! I like hearing about the world of wrestling and everyone's fan fiction and the like. Keep it coming guys- this is cool!

[Icebot]

Originally Posted by blindturtle02

Sorry about the emotional vamps, Icebot. Don't feel too bad. I think every person has to deal with a few of them. I know I have. And yeah, what you described does sound like a perfect day.

Thanks. I'm gonna do what I can to make it better.

[Blossombrooks]

Originally Posted by Dawnatello Turtle Chick

I really love this thread! Everyone posting on here just makes my day. It's nice to have a thread that's troll-free and uplifting for once! I like hearing about the world of wrestling and everyone's fan fiction and the like. Keep it coming guys- this is cool!

Agreed Dawnatello! Sometimes it's good to just escape the forum drama and come here for a lift. I don't always comment but I read what you all write and it restores a lot of faith in the human race

Well today I had an 'urgh' sort of day but not dwelling on that, what made my day was getting my wood burnt tmnt piece accepted into the TMNT Legacy group on Deviantart I know to some that won't seem like much but to me it's a huge boost, all of my favourite tmnt artists get their work accepted there and it's amazing to think that a couple of mine now sit in their galleries. I think it's also the only pyrography piece in there so breaking new ground too!

[Dawnatello Turtle Chick]

Originally Posted by Blossombrooks

Agreed Dawnatello! Sometimes it's good to just escape the forum drama and come here for a lift. I don't always comment but I read what you all write and it restores a lot of faith in the human race

Well today I had an 'urgh' sort of day but not dwelling on that, what made my day was getting my wood burnt tmnt piece accepted into the TMNT Legacy group on Deviantart I know to some that won't seem like much but to me it's a huge boost, all of my favourite tmnt artists get their work accepted there and it's amazing to think that a couple of mine now sit in their galleries. I think it's also the only pyrography piece in there so breaking new ground too!

Congrats Blossombrooks!!! It's always nice to get your hard work & talent recognized! Do you have a link to pictures of you work? I'm sure we'd all like to see!

**Edit- clicked the link in your sig- nice pieces! Very impressive!

[blindturtle02]

Way to go Blossombrooks! My better half and I like your art btw. Art has always been something I've enjoyed and appreciated if someone describes it to me.

Yeah Bubbly, great to have people around who love and support you. I have an uncle who's cancer is now terminal so my fiancé is helping quite a bit on that front. Hey Icebot, keep everyone posted on how things are going with ya. Don't be a stranger. I agree with Dawnatello, the folks who post on this thing certainly make my day as well.

[Dawnatello Turtle Chick]

Finished our taxes and the IRS has already accepted them! So relieved to be done with them! Plus we'll be getting a really nice chunk back (over $3,000)! Unfortunately much of that will go towards paying bills and paying my folks back for borrowed money.... But that is a relief in and of itself!

We will be buying a new TV with some of it since our bedroom TV is going out- takes about 15 minutes to get it to turn on and then once you turn it off it turns itself back on! That will be nice to have a TV that works! Plus I'm allocating some money for a PS4 so that will make my husband happy!

[BubblyShell22]

Congrats on the acceptance, Brooke. That's awesome.

Yes, I agree that people posting in here makes my day, too. Just so awesome.

[Blossombrooks]

Aw, you guys are all lovely! Thank you See, now you all made my day.

Blindturtle I wish I could show you the wood burning work that I do, the beauty is you don't have to see it. The iron burns lines and textures into the wood so it's very tactile, I hope one day you get a chance to experience some.

Well done on finishing those taxes Dawnatello and enjoy that new tv! Sounds like you deserve it.

[blindturtle02]

Originally Posted by Blossombrooks

Aw, you guys are all lovely! Thank you See, now you all made my day.

Blindturtle I wish I could show you the wood burning work that I do, the beauty is you don't have to see it. The iron burns lines and textures into the wood so it's very tactile, I hope one day you get a chance to experience some.

Well done on finishing those taxes Dawnatello and enjoy that new tv! Sounds like you deserve it.

That sounds fascinating, Blossombrooks. I enjoy all types of art but have never really encountered any with texture. I'll have to keep my eye out for some.

Awesome, Dawnatello. A new TV would make my day as well. We've got a little 19 inch flatscreen, but that's about it. It gets the job done though. We're saving up for a bigger one. Becca wants one big enough to be able to fully experience her Bioshock, Fallout, and Baldur's Gate games. I'd love to get my surround sound system shipped here from Tn eventually. I'm also something of a gamer and would love to be sucked into my Injustice and Mortal Kombat games as well as have that movie theater experience whenever we're watching new eps of Turtles on weekends.

What made my day today? Sort of funny, but one of my fiancé's Valentine's day presents I ordered for her showed up very early. I ordered Criminal Minds season 7 on Sunday, ok? Standard shipping and all. It shows up today and I was thinking it was this other DVD we were waiting on. I ask her to let me know what it is. So when she starts giggling and hugging me, I can pretty much tell what it is. So it was nice to make her day. I'll count that as a sort of just because I love ya kind of present. Ordered season 8 unbeknownst to her, so that ought to make up for the crazy fast shipped present! It's fun shopping with her during Christmas for both our families. She has to pass these little notes to the cashiers. "Don't say anything about The Clone Wars," that kind of thing. I like being surprised, so I never attempt to peak inside the cart or anything. When we eventually have kids though, it's going to be twice as hard to keep them from blabbing when they're old enough and still young enough to get carried away with excitement!

I think finding that exact present somebody wants makes my day as well. I've always tried to play the someone else's shoes game when shopping for others. You've got to ask yourself what you'd like if you were so and so: that sort of stuff. I either listen very carefully throughout the months leading up to a holiday, and it helps if the person has an amazon wishlist because I'm able to have something for quick reference. So the giving on my part has always made my day no matter the occasion.

[Icebot]

Originally Posted by blindturtle02

Hey Icebot, keep everyone posted on how things are going with ya. Don't be a stranger.

I think they're starting to get better. They should really get better tomorrow. I just hope it doesn't snow on Sunday.

[blindturtle02]

Originally Posted by Icebot

I think they're starting to get better. They should really get better tomorrow. I just hope it doesn't snow on Sunday.

Good to hear! And yeah, I think there's been quite enough snow this Winter lol. All we got here in Tx has been a little ice. Good enough for us to miss school for a day, so that ruled.

[Zany Orange Dude]

So my art history professor was talking about how artist Flippo Brunelleshi lost a contest right? Well here is the part that made my day, "So out of embarrassment he decided to leave town with his friend Donatello, yes, I mean the Ninja Turtle. Speaking of which did you know they are having a new movie with them?" Guy in the class yells, "Yeah they just released the designs and they are....ugh....weird looking."
My teacher replies, "You know, this may sound sad, but I think I will go and see that movie."
I was literally dying in my seat because I had just finished sketching out a picture of Teng Shen and then they go and bring up TMNT! Plus my teacher is old, I was surprised he'd want to even go see a movie like Turtles!

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

Originally Posted by Zany Orange Dude

So my art history professor was talking about how artist Flippo Brunelleshi lost a contest right? Well here is the part that made my day, "So out of embarrassment he decided to leave town with his friend Donatello, yes, I mean the Ninja Turtle. Speaking of which did you know they are having a new movie with them?" Guy in the class yells, "Yeah they just released the designs and they are....ugh....weird looking."
My teacher replies, "You know, this may sound sad, but I think I will go and see that movie."
I was literally dying in my seat because I had just finished sketching out a picture of Teng Shen and then they go and bring up TMNT! Plus my teacher is old, I was surprised he'd want to even go see a movie like Turtles!

That's quite cool! My school was never that exciting. It was the complete opposite, just plain boring.

[BubblyShell22]

I agree with you, BT, that getting a present that someone likes is awesome. Also receiving a present that you like is awesome, too. My sis gave me my John Cena shirt, and it's awesome. I'm wearing it now.

ZOD, that is so awesome!

Icebot, I agree about the snow. Enough already!

[blindturtle02]

Originally Posted by Zany Orange Dude

So my art history professor was talking about how artist Flippo Brunelleshi lost a contest right? Well here is the part that made my day, "So out of embarrassment he decided to leave town with his friend Donatello, yes, I mean the Ninja Turtle. Speaking of which did you know they are having a new movie with them?" Guy in the class yells, "Yeah they just released the designs and they are....ugh....weird looking."
My teacher replies, "You know, this may sound sad, but I think I will go and see that movie."
I was literally dying in my seat because I had just finished sketching out a picture of Teng Shen and then they go and bring up TMNT! Plus my teacher is old, I was surprised he'd want to even go see a movie like Turtles!

I agree with Headbands, Zany. I wish I had an art class like that! Mine was fun, but not as exciting as yours. Ours was more of an art survey type of class. We didn't get to draw anything but probably wouldn't have anyway because my college wouldn't have had the proper equipment to give the various shapes on paper or posterboard texture. Although my prof loved chasing rabbits, so I guess it was exciting around 85% of the time. He was really cool because he'd count down the days to various holidays. It was a sort of daily thing with him. He was the most depressed out of all of us when we all came back from breaks. Yeah, my prof was old too!

Always nice to say it loud and proud by wearing a T that showcases one's hobbies, Bubbly. I gotta get over to that wrestling thread and read! The thing that has always interested me about wrestling is those wonderful signature moves everyone has. It's also interesting when the fight breaks out of the ring. Seriously need to buy a few PS3 games with expansive interactive wrestling arenas, as well as attempt to watch a few matches. My dad still loves wrestling, as does my little bro. Although the guy probably doesn't wrestle anymore, little bro's fav is and has always been Hulk Hogan. We used to watch this old school Royal Rumble vhs he had religiously. The one where Hogan lost to... I think it was that Ric Flair guy? That was like stone age kind of old. I don't even remember what year that was, but I do remember Brad wearing out the friggin tape. haha!

[Dawnatello Turtle Chick]

Speaking of art class... I loved all of mine! My senior art class was a blast cause my art teacher hated my pre-cal teacher (as did we all) so she'd purposely schedule field trips on his test days to make him mad, lol. She also had a huge display window that she'd let a few friends of mine & I decorate one a month or so. Whatever we wanted to do, as long as we'd draft up ideas beforehand & all. She'd always grade us on the project, that's what I always loved about her class, whatever you were interested in she'd find a way to make it gradeable. I remember working with the pottery wheel for 2 weeks cause I wanted to but no one else did. I was in art club too and we all decided that we didn't like the President, Vice-President, Secretary titles. So we came up with our own. I was the Grand Vizier one year and the Art Czar the next. Fun lady, I ran into her a few months ago at one of my flea markets and we chatted for quite a while- that made my day!