When I've got nothing better to do I end up playing around with tutorials and usually try to do something with text since it's usually so necessary in everything you do. I've been inspired by some of the 3D text art out there to get back into 3D modeling, hopefully I can do that soon.

Until then I'll stick to Photoshop. You always need something to work with so I usually end up applying what I'm messing around with to my own stuff (like Live Charge) or my sister. 

This one was made with ITC Avant Garde, a great font that my roommate Jeff and I use all the time and will probably bring to overuse soon. Some simple gradients, blending, and blurring and you end up with a really cool, vibrant effect.