Spiraling to the Poor House

In 2013, I decided to devote more time and effort into improving my figure skating skills. I decided this after synchro season was over because I really disliked being the weakest skater on the team.  So I began taking weekly private lessons and logged in at least two practice sessions a week. How much does all this skating cost, you wonder? Well, here's a breakdown of my skating expenses starting with my first 30 minute private lesson at the end of March (1 Freestyle Sticker = 45 minutes of ice time).

2013 Figure Skating Expenses
Date	Description	Amount
3/28/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
3/28/2013	Freestyle Sticker (1)	$       (11.00)
4/4/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
4/4/2013	Freestyle Stickers (10)	$      (105.00)
4/11/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
4/17/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
4/22/2013	6-Week Group Lessons	$       (81.00)
4/25/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
5/2/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
5/9/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
5/16/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
5/23/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
5/30/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
6/1/2013	Freestyle Stickers (10)	$      (105.00)
6/6/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
6/13/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
6/17/2013	5-Week Group Lessons	$       (45.00)
6/20/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
6/27/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
6/27/2013	Test Fees	$       (33.00)
6/27/2013	Club Membership	$       (70.00)
7/3/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
7/11/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
7/1/2013	TR Deposit	$       (25.00)
7/18/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
7/22/2013	6-Week Group Lessons	$       (54.00)
7/25/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
8/7/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
8/12/2013	Freestyle Stickers (10)	$       (85.00)
8/14/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
8/21/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
9/4/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
9/11/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
9/28/2013	Freestyle Stickers (10)	$       (85.00)
10/3/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
10/17/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
10/24/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
11/6/2013	Freestyle Stickers (10)	$       (85.00)
11/7/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
11/14/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
11/25/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
12/4/2013	Freestyle Stickers (20)	$      (170.00)
12/5/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
12/12/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
12/19/2013	30 Minute PL	$       (30.00)
12/31/2014	New Skates	$      (561.50)
BALANCE		$ (2,475.50)

Yes, that's right. I spent THAT much money on ice skating in 2013. More, actually, because I skated in January, February and all of March too (though not as frequent). And the total also doesn't count the monthly program fee to be on the synchro team, the cost for tights, team jackets, fuel, souvenirs, laces, hotel rooms, meals, and other expenses for competitions. Oh, and the numerous boxes of Kleenex that I go through every month because my nose runs constantly while on the ice.

I've basically traded in college for figure skating.  It's also my gym membership.

The rink does offer contract ice where you pay a flat fee every month for unlimited practice time. But I did the math and I save a little money by not doing that. If it included private lessons then it'd be a bargain. Contract ice is a good option for the young Olympic hopefuls that skate 2-4 hours in the morning before school and 2-4 hours in the afternoon after school. I have this annoying thing called a job that gets in the way of getting to the rink everyday and the only glimmer of an Olympic dream I have MIGHT be found in my ovaries -  to be produced at a later date - definitely, maybe.

So I thought I'd share a bit of my insanity to prove to you that I am a crazy person. I couldn't skate today because there's a winter storm going on and I'm stuck at work - but that's probably a good thing because I have an expensive hobby.