The Bowling Craze is Over

Looks like bowling was a one time thing for us.  

My Fella and I are both pretty active and have been doing tons of different outdoor activities since we've been in southern Arizona - tennis, baseball, hiking, etc.   And last Sunday we went bowling.  

It turns out that two quick games of ten pin bowling is equal to lifting a ten pound weight repeatedly with the same arm for an hour.  My right forearm has been throbbing all week.

Ouch.  

We've played tennis three times since we went bowling last weekend and while we did manage to knock the ball around, my arm was sore every time.  My forehand is almost back to normal but my backhand shot is totally lame due to lack of strength.  Frustrating.

This nasty case of bowling-itus is really messing up my everyday life.  Last week I attempted to map out our 2011 budget and my right arm was too sore to write.  Even more tragic, it's become a huge challenge hauling my heavy box of white wine out of our teeny little RV fridge  :)  

Tennis is my fave sport (been playing since I was a tyke) so if it comes down to bowling or tennis, I gotta say 'bye bye bowling'.  But it was fun while it lasted.

crazy bowling eyes

Haven't talked about money or budgets for awhile, but even as we're parked out here in the Arizona desert, we're staying on top of financial things.  Perhaps more so since our fall/winter expenses are different from summer life in BC.

Soothed by the white wine in the fridge, I was able to complete a rough draft of our  2011 Annual Budget  - from most expensive to least expensive items:

• $24,000    savings/investing 
• $12,000    investment debt repayment (line of credit, tax-deductible interest)
• $10,800    groceries, household items, toiletries, booze, laundry
• $3300       RV pad rental  (includes water/sewer/hydro)
• $3000       income taxes
• $2400       RV gas
• $1600       RV insurance
• $1560       car gas ($30 x 52 weeks)
• $1400       charity/donations
• $1250       BC health coverage (12 months)
• $1200       clothes/shoes
• $1000       RV maintenance (minimal amount while it's still under warranty)
• $1000       misc. one-time RV purchases (solar patio lights, ladder, blower, etc.)
• $800         RV propane (think I over-estimated this cost)
• $650         car insurance
• $600         entertainment (movies, driving range, tennis balls, etc.)
• $600         misc. (if not used, it will go to charity)
• $500         travel medical insurance (5.5 months)
• $500         Shelbert (food, grooming, snacks)
• $210         internet ($30 x 7 months)
• $180         satellite radio
• $105         cell phone ($15 x 7 months)
• $100         car maintenance (oil changes) 

No categories listed for: Shelbys medical needs, emergency dental work, RV content insurance or major car maintenance.  These things are covered (as needed) with cash from savings so we don't include them in the regular budget.

And if the poop hit the fan, we could certainly cut out a few categories including:  satellite radio, entertainment, misc., cell phone, new clothes/shoes and misc. RV purchases.

Even though I just retired from the rat race in my late 30's, I still have major $$$$ investing goals.  And the biggest difference between our annual budget and most others I've seen is that we categorize investment savings/retirement savings as a 'necessary' expense, not a 'want'.  

New shoes* are a want.  Investment savings are a need. 

But we also plan to enjoy life along the way.  

*Although in a ironic twist of budgeting fate, I have actually bought not one, but THREE new pairs of shoes since we've been in the USA.  3 pairs of shoes + HUGE shoe sale = $40 including taxes. 

Wants, not needs.  And comfy as bowling shoes, but way cuter  :) 

Comments

[Jacq @ Single Mom Rich Mom]

LOVE the shoes! Love the budget. Looks like you've got fat in there (if need be), which is nice.

I used to go out with a tennis pro and youngest son's dad is a phenomenal golf player. Neither could convince me to play, but I promised myself and Marc that this year we'd bring along tennis racquets and the golf clubs that we forgot last year. I'm coordination-ally challenged but he's a natural (must be genetic from his dad). Oh well, I'm good at math. Can't have everything. :-)

[Tracy]

Great pink flip flops! Man I love a shoe sale :)

The budget made me drool. That RV living is sure economical. Good for you guys. Every time I see an interior look of Johnny Disco, it looks so inviting and comfy too. Hats off to you for focussing on important stuff.

Sorry 'bout the bowlingitis. Looks like your fella may need to find a new bowling partner - he sure looks like he's loving it!

[kelsi]

jjolie - apparently your librarian thinks you have everything :)
Whatever happened with him?

[kelsi]

McMom - yup, those pink adidas flip flops were originally $30 - marked down to $7. The other pair was $12 (half price) and the sandals were $19, down from $50.
My Fella and I spend all of our annual clothing/shoe budget in the States and it's usual 1/2 or 1/3 of what we'd pay for the same stuff in Canada... $1200 isn't a lot of cash but it goes a loooooong way in Arizona.

[Jacq @ Single Mom Rich Mom]

kelsi - Heheh a) too young for me, b) I have strange tastes. Just didn't want to have to get to the point where he asked me out overtly and I had to say no.
Seriously, I'm not attracted to "city boys" yet don't really fit right with a blue collar guy. If you meet any smart bull riders - or preferably steer wrestlers (since they're the biggest guys) down in Tucson, let me know. :-)

I'm TOTALLY the same way on buying clothes and shoes down south! It's great because I don't even bother going shopping up here. I know I'll go down with an empty-ish suitcase when we go skiing in Montana in February and will pick up everything there for the year / next winter. I love it!