~Thursday, June 02, 2011

Accounting 101

I just spent the last hour scratching my head and balancing this month's budget. Being single is expensive.

This afternoon I spent $140.00 in single-related activities. I signed up for the summer league of kickball, which costs $50. Then, some guys I've been hanging out with during my weekly night out asked me—me—to play kickball on their team as well. So this summer I'll be playing kickball two nights a week. That cost another $50.

Tomorrow after work I'm playing whirlyball (think lacrosse on bumper cars). $20. And Saturday I'm playing cornhole for some Chick-fil-A charity event. Another $20. All in the name of being single and trying to get out there and meet new people.

And this isn't even including the wardrobe. All of these events require cute outfits that require cute shoes. Earlier this week I bought two dresses, one romper and a pair of ballet flats. This being single thing is expensive.

Then again, it wasn't cheap being in a relationship. I dated "outside of the box" for my last two relationships, which is a very PC term for dating men who were "unemployed and living off the government." Anytime I wanted to do something—go to a movie, eat at a restaurant, etc.—it cost me double what it would have cost me to do it alone. Being in those relationships didn't just make withdrawals on my checking account, they also bankrupted me emotionally. So really, being in a relationship isn't the answer either. Correct that: being in a relationship with just anybody.

I view these activities—kickball and whirlyball and cornhole and whatever other plans I have this month, oh god, kayaking and rock climbing—as deposits into the mental and physical and emotional accounts that were so poorly overdrawn until a year ago. It's all about priorities. And this month I'm making those deposits a priority over, say, eating lunch out.

Sigh. I'm going back to the running trail. That was free.

17 comments:

DL White said...

I'm tired, reading your activity list.

Red Stethoscope said...

Good luck meeting people! And yes, honey, being single is so expensive! :(

j said...

I want to do all that stuff! But I am saving all my money for my trip and well I don't think there is a kickball league here...might have to investigate.

jo said...

i love how you're so active. i wish i had the chance to do the same, it would be awesome!

Robyn said...

kickball-is that like football-a ball and you kick it? anyhow-as you sad remember relationships can also be expensive-getaways, gifts, romantic surprise flights...yes-we are SO much better off single..!

treacle said...

investing in yourself is always worth it...even if it does make you wince slightly ;-)

SaraJk said...

You have been an inspiration to me. I am recently 30 and have been through two emotionally exhausting relationships. I am at rock bottom with no hope and working on getting better.

Anonymous said...

last night travis bought my dinner, naturally, and my response to him was "thank you for paying for my dinner." he goes "not even a 'thank you for dinner' but a 'thank you for paying'?" hahaha. oops. however, remember the days when you used to say iiiiiiiii was so busy. missy, them days have changed! looky you! and looky me, sitting on my arse tonight.

Lpeg said...

It IS expensive to be single - but I am finding it to be more expensive to be in a relationship. If I want to go out to dinner, at least it doesn't cost me twice as much as when the bf is around! And yes, I too, am dating "outside the box". It totally sucks. But I am REALLY excited for this new kickball season!!

Sarah said...

Robyn, kickball is more like softball/baseball with a big, red rubber ball you kick instead of swing at with a bat. The ball is rolled to you, you kick it and run the bases.

Bathwater said...

At least you are guaranteed to have excitement from your single activities.

S. said...

Living is expensive!

mypixieblog said...

I hear ya, sister. I feel like I spend an arm and a leg myself lately to maintain this fun, single lifestyle.

But at least you are getting out there and having a good time doing it :)

Anonymous said...

I love that you're getting out there and being so active. I wish my bad wrists/hands would let me join you!

nicole said...

being married is expensive too =/
especially being married with 2 kids and only 1 income. D= eesh.
have fun with all of your singles activities!

Simmarah said...

Doll I hear ya about being in a relationship with a guy who doesn't work. It's straining emotionally and on my bank account. I had to buy groceries, pay for movies, do everything for HIM as well as me. I hated every minute of it.

J said...

Agree with you that these things are 100% worth the money. Deposits in the mental, physical and emotional health banks for sure.

 

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