I start my day by deciding which lights I'm going to EDC that day. I always have the Mag Solitaire on my keychain, but I also EDC one or two other lights (can't remember the last time I actually used the Solitaire, other than checking/charging the battery, it's just an extreme-case backup light).
Before I shower I check CPF to see if there are any posts I simply must read. Then I check again right before leaving for work. My absolute favorite posts are those with outside beam shots, followed by threads about lights I hope to buy, and then threads with great technical info. I also enjoy threads about lights that are in some way special, be they cool modded lights or some high-end light that I will probably never be able to afford.
While I don't "need" my lights much at work, they do come in handy often. An example from today was searching for fittings in our parts bins. The bins are like cubby holes, so not much light gets in them. Pulled out my brightest EDC and made the search for the right fittings much easier and quicker. Part of my job involves inspecting vehicles that we get in for repairs. Lots of times a problem simply can't be found without the use of a good flashlight.
After work is when I start to get more into flashaholic mode. This time of year it's nearly dark by the time I get home from work, so the lights get used quite a bit. Mostly for fun, but also for tasks. I "play" with at least 2-4 of my lights every night. Sometimes ALL of them in the same night. Playing to me means shining them at things outside or inside, checking throw and flood in different situations, etc. I also regularly do beam shots of all different kinds. I'm always trying to think of creative new ways to do beam shots. But it's not as much fun using the same lights all the time, which is why buying a new light begins the fun of the beam shot comparisons all over again.
Yes, my wife thinks I'm crazy, and so do my friends, but oh well, there are much worse hobbies. And my wife has learned to live with me going outside with a tripod, camera, and 10 lights.
😀 She teases me a little, but for the most part is supportive as long as I don't go crazy with spending (which I wouldn't do anyway, even though I would if I were rich).
My nightly routine also includes checking CPF, and shopping for stuff. I regularly read the SureFire website, Fenix-Store, QualityChinaGoods, DealExtreme, and even some of the sites that sell higher end lights that I could never afford. I also search Youtube for videos of flashlights. Seems not too many new ones show up, so I don't do that often as I've already seen all the decent ones (I'm surprised more people on CPF don't post videos of their cool lights and beam shots, etc.).
Like any good flashaholic, my nightly routine includes checking all batteries and charging those that need to be charged. I usually only check the batteries of the lights I used that day.
I guess one of the hardest things about being a flashaholic that is NOT rich is deciding what products are going to get my hard earned dollars. And I spend a lot of time every night researching how I can get a light or light accessory that will make me happy that is affordable.
And if anyone is curious about my flashaholic beam shots, which are many and varied, you can see some of them on my Photo Bucket site here:
http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m144/KingGlamis/
:twothumbs
