okay, peanut.

I don’t know how I always manage to choose them, but I do. I can sniff out expensive hobbies like a hound dog.

First, there’s scuba diving. My dad and I decided somewhere around Christmas of ’07 that the time was right. We took our certification course in January of ’08 and did our certification dives in Grand Cayman less than a month later. We’ve both been hooked ever since, and can’t seem to get enough. Since then, we’ve been on a diving trip in Key West and have completed specialty courses in Underwater Photography, Nitrox/Enriched Air, and Wreck Diving. Up next is EFR (Emergency First Response) and Rescue Diving. We’ve both loved every second of it, and while it’s an amazing hobby, it’s very expensive. The equipment itself is expensive, as are the courses and trips. And what a bummer – we both prefer warm, tropical destinations as opposed to murky local quarries. Darn!

Next up is photography. While I’ve expressed a serious interest in photography over the past 6 years, within the past two years the interest has turned into somewhat of an obsession. I’ve since added to my collection of cameras and lenses and have very recently started a certificate program in photography at HCC. You know how expensive camera equipment is, and I have to admit that the expenses for the class came as quite a shock. I didn’t think I’d get away with spending nothing, but I certainly didn’t expect this. Not including the course fees and book, the supplies I need for Basic Photography thus far have totaled $429.92, with another $30 or so to go. That’s not including the supplies I already had! We’re talking developing tanks and reels, photo paper, negative preservers and imagekeeper, cable release, mounting boards and tissue, storage wipes, magnifying loupes, gray card, and several other miscellaneous supplies. Argh …

Finally, there’s cake decorating. While this is by far the cheapest hobby of the three, it’s been no easy ride. I’ve taken the first two courses in the Wilton Method – Discover Cake Decorating and Flowers & Borders. It’s been fun, and extremely useful. I look forward to continuing my practice, waiting for the day when something I make actually looks attractive and appetizing!

I guess it’s just the nature of hobbies, huh? My husband, along with his dad, brother, and our nephews, are Lionel addicts. They don’t like the $40 cars and cheap engines, either. Nope, they’re into the real deal. That, too, is an expensive hobby, though it brings enjoyment and long-term value.

Thinking about it, none of my hobbies bring long-term value. Hmpf … maybe I need to rethink things … nah!

Do you have expensive hobbies? What do they mean to you and what do you get out of them?