1. Fruity girly shots make bowling a lot more fun.

2. Even good bowlers mess up.

I witnessed Joey bowl a gutter ball.  And it was awesome.  And I may have yelled, “AGAIN!”  Oops.

3. It’s possible to bowl a 50.

I would know.

4. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages.

Gil and Margaret might not be our same age, but I absolutely adored hanging out with them every Thursday night.

5. Witnessing a perfect game is pretty amazing.

Slightly less amazing the 5th time around.

6. Other bowlers can be some of the most understanding and encouraging people.

I witnessed the cheers and high-fives to prove it.

7. Bowling shoes and skinny jeans don’t mix.  

No joke, I bought bootcut jeans just to wear to bowling.  That’s true dedication.

8.  People who listen to their iPods while they bowl are weird.

I thought bowling was all about socializing.  Or is that just me?

9.  Sitting at the table with the team is much much better than being a spectator sitting in the back.

Which is why I’ve gone to watch Joey bowl a total of 4 times in my life.

10.  Doing something that scares you can sometimes be really rewarding.

16 weeks ago, I was horrified that I had actually joined a bowling league.  And not just because it meant I’d have to wear dorky shoes and be seen with Joey and his rolling bowling ball bag, but because I don’t like to be on the spot.  The thought of having the eyes of people who actually know how to bowl and bowl well, on me while I do something I have barely any experience doing petrified me.  I may have complained and felt nervous every.single.week., but 16 weeks later, I can honestly say I’m so so glad I did it.

And really, pretty sad that it’s all over.