Expensive Habits

It doesn't seem to matter what the subject is... food, clothes, housewares, sports, trips, you name it... I have expensive tastes. However, I prefer to think of my spending habits in terms of investment rather than indulgence.

My investment approach is, oh, so clear, as I pursue my new hobby; Scuba Diving. Here's what you have to understand about this sport. It takes a lot of money up front just to DO it! You have to pay to take the class to get certified (I got entry level certification last weekend!), and rent the equipment. After this first experience you learn whether diving is something that you want to pursue further or if you will be satisfied to remain at 60 ft. If you choose to pursue it further, with more certifications and regular dives, it becomes clear that renting the equipment simply will not do. No, like snow skiing, you realize that you will enjoy the sport more (and probably save money in the long run) by ponying up the big bucks and purchasing your own equipment.

This is where I am. I am taking the Advanced Open Water class this weekend and am facing a BIG purchase today or tomorrow. I'm excited to be getting my own equipment (that will actually fit, and will have an integrated weight system so that 10% of my body weight isn't resting on my hips!) and about getting qualified to do more, but that doesn't make the inevitable Cha-Ching sound of the cash register any better!

Last weekend I did my first ocean dives. And it was SO COOL!! Even though the weather wasn't great, the dive spot was overcrowded, and the visibility was mediocre... this is something that I will LOVE!!

When I purchase my BCD, Regulator, and Gauges, I'll also tack on an underwater camera to capture all of the sights. Stay tuned for pictures of Nemo!

rmf