Buyer’s Remorse

July 13, 2020:

Because so much of the country is still limiting gatherings and indoor activities, I decided that it would make sense to invest in season passes and badges for local opportunities. We already had season passes for Six Flags from last year, but I went ahead and purchased season beach badges and a parking pass for my family. At the time, I had great expectations (“We’ll go to the beach at least twice a week, work the Six Flags Safari in once a month or so, go to the amusement park twice a month…yeah, this will work!”).

But then the kids’ extracurricular schedules started coming out. My son plays soccer, which was allowed some level of participation from last month. And then, pretty suddenly, our dance studio informed us that they were allowed to open if they followed some protocols. Just last week, my son’s school-based soccer team announced that they would start practicing as well.

Kicking Into High Gear

So in the span of a week, we went from having virtually nothing to something nearly every day (I need a chauffeur cap for Tuesdays, because I’ll be intermittently driving my kids to their activities from 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.).

Don’t get me wrong – I’m happy things are getting back to some semblance of normal for all the kids in our area, mine included. I just wish I didn’t plunk down so much dough for activities that we may get to do just once or twice. What is it they say about the best laid plans?

Update – August 2021:

In two weeks’ time last month, we had nationals, the World Dance Pageant, and the World Dance Championship. Getting ready for all of those completely obliterated our free time in July (in addition to my son’s newly-acquired wrestling schedule and part-time job). Yesterday (August 5) was our first beach day, so it was the maiden voyage for our beach badges. In true Danielle form, I’d already lost one badge (which is irreplaceable), so I’m not sure how much we’ll actually get to have more beach days. Plus, my girls have their summer intensives next week, and choreography shortly thereafter. Buying a parking pass seems ridiculous at this point, but I’m hopeful to make the most of what’s left of our summer.

Update – August 2022:

This year’s wasted season pass is Six Flags Great Adventure. I renewed last year’s passes because of the ridiculous discount, but haven’t quite made it there yet this year. We just wrapped up summer intensives after a month of nationals, summer classes, and the World Dance Championship. I didn’t even bother with beach badges this year because the girls have been there with their father several times by this point. We might do a day here or there, but definitely not enough to buy a season pass. Choreography starts in a couple of days, so time is limited (as always).

Looking for a new dance school? Some factors to consider here: How to Choose a Dance School.

Work hard, have fun! – Danielle