[Bern]

Hi Nancy,

I don't suffer from burnout because I am stubborn. This is my hobby and nobody or nothing is going to take it away from me.

However, I have occasionally been caught up in situations that have made me take a back seat in some capacity. The secret in my book is to spread yourself around a bit. I belong to one koiclub, but I show my face at a couple of others, I belong to my National Society and have at times put myself up for election to office and I get involved with foreign koi societies too. (plus nowadays the web forums).

If something occurs at one that demotivates me, I just retire into one of the others. In one sense though I have been very lucky. My koi club has always been my sanctuary. Its a bit unique in that it is without egos. Most club officials are doing their job because if they didn't it wouldn't get done. Apathy tends to rule at the AGM's. Most job holders are martyrs to their cause, but maybe that's good for the soul.

rgds BERN