So, I haven't had any real dilemmas so far. A couple of books, a couple of t-shirts, some iPhone apps. I haven't had any real temptations. Has it just been a slow month, or is it actually remarkably easy to go without new junk? Time will tell.
The test might come next week when I'm in Hawaii. I might have to break the rule for a souvenir - would a fridge magnet make me a consumer whore?
I've had my eye on a Crumpler bag for a while now. (I'd link to their website, but it's the worst site in history.) I'm often out and about with my Macbook air and a rugged, roomy and stylish bag (made in Australia no less) is something I can certainly make a case for. They aren't cheap - a few hundred bucks, but they have a couple of stores in Melbourne.
I'll survive with my little leather bag, a gift from my sister in London.
I'd also like some new music (I wanted to get more Powderfinger from iTunes) and another ChinesePod T-shirt. I'll see if I still want them in a month.
My arm's in a cast which makes typing an ordeal at the moment, so if I can find a one-handed keyboard I'm definitely getting that!
I resisted any urge to buy last-minute things in the lead up to the new year. The first major item I can't get, then, is an Airport Express. I had a plan to put one in my bedroom, and play music from it, controlled by my iPhone. Under the current system, I have to burn an MP3 CD of any playlist I want in the bedroom. The CD player makes a little noise when the CD spins which I have always found annoying. How dreadful!
On the other hand I have been a pretty good non-consumer this Christmas. Apart from an Amazon gift voucher for my sister overseas, and a knockoff Britney Spears T-Shirt for a Kris Kringle, I didn't buy (or receive) any presents at all. Definitely a new record and I enjoyed a stress-free holiday.
There is someone I wish to buy a small gift for as a thank-you present. I'm pretty sure this is allowed, as I won't be accruing any possessions.
