Last winter, I went to a local winter park and tried my luck at snowboarding.  While I was absolutely terrible and spent the night being shown up by 10 year olds, I was hooked.  I decided then and there that snowboarding was something I really wanted to pursue.  Last winter was my  first in over a decade that wasn’t spent playing basketball, and there was a definite void.  I thought snowboarding could be a thrill that fills that void and brings some excitement to my life during the long, cold Iowa winters. 

Here I am, about 6 months later, and I still have those same feelings.  So, if I’m going to go through with it, I need a board, boots, bindings, and some decent snowpants.  I figure this equipment will set me back somewhere between  $300-350.  Talk about a budget buster on my limited income.

 I still want it to happen though, so I opened an ING account specifically for a snowboard.  I only deposited $1 in it, but I plan to slowly add spending money and eventually have enough to buy a board.  It will take a little while to get there, but it will be completely worth it.  It’s always tempting to simply use money from other sources for purchases such as these, but I refrain and stick to my budget.  Once I get my board, I will be able to enjoy it 100% guilt free. 

At that time, I will still have an ING account nicknamed ‘Board’.  I will rename it according to some other larger fun purchase that I desire, and start over again.