I really, really, really want one of these: Targus 15.4IN Metro Roller for Notebook Bag.  AJ has one and it is such a nice bag.  I love how the handle goes down into the side and you don't even know it's there. Then when you pull it out, it slides right up and snaps into place. It goes back into place just as easily.

But it costs close to $50 and I don't want to spend that much money on one. I was thinking maybe I could find something similar at Goodwill or Savers.  Sometimes people donate items which are in perfect condition so I might find exactly what I want or better, for a fraction of the cost. The downside is sometimes people donate an item because it doesn't really work that well and they don't want to hassle with it any longer.

I already have a laptop bag, provided by my company, but it is just one that you sling over your shoulder.  All alone it's not so bad, but I also carry work home sometimes and for that I have another bag, that's also heavy. It would sure be nice if I had one that rolled.

I really don't indulge my whims that often, but I've been noticing that a lot of the time when I get something I just HAD to have, the glitter goes away right after I buy it.

Sometimes all it takes to get over the impulse to buy something is to put it on my wish list at Amazon or Half.com.  I suppose a part of me figures if I win the lottery or something I would be able to buy all those things/books I've been wanting so badly, and find myself feeling like I just HAVE TO HAVE THEM.

I know I have one Amazon gift certificate for $25, and I know right where it's at. I seem to recall having a second one (shame on me for misplacing it!) so I would have $50 and could buy the rolling laptop bag. But I also wanted that new set of hair clippers.

I was thinking I might be able to find a set of hair clippers at Goodwill or Savers, too.

Part of the problem for me with shopping second hand stores is first of all the nearest one to my home is 25 miles away. Secondly, I prefer to stay home on the days I don't have to go in to work. On the way home I could hit one but I'm too tired by then.

If I lived in the city, close to second hand stores, it would be easier to stop by and shop on a more regular basis. About a month ago, one of my coworkers was telling me she was going to a Goodwill at lunch to see what they had because the 50% sale is on the weekend.  By the time I drive back into town on a Saturday, I've spent money on gasoline which negates the sale prices!  I suppose if I were buying some expensive ticket item it would pay off…

Then again, if I were close to second hand stores, there's that much more temptation to buy things that maybe I don't really need.

It's just so much easier to shop online.  What did we ever do before the Internet?

I'm hoping by verbalizing here that I want this new laptop bag that I will be able to continue to have willpower against buying it.

Besides it has so many pockets, it will probably just get filled up with all kinds of things and then I'll never go through it and clean it out. There, that's another good reason to not get one.

Although my shoulder sure has been aching. But it's probably not only due to lugging my two heavy bags.

You know, come to think of it, I have a rolling backpack. But the reason I stopped using it is because the handle won't go down. And if you can get it down, it takes the strength of Hercules to pull it out again.  Besides it won't hold my laptop securely.

Back and forth, back and forth.  Should I or shouldn't I?  I feel like I shouldn't spend ANY money at all because it should all be going toward the debt!   I decide for the time being I will continue to go without a new rolling laptop bag.  I will wait until I can check at a second hand store.

I have another idea!  The coworker I mentioned earlier – she apparently shops Goodwill every other weekend at their 50% off sale.  Maybe I'll mention to her what I'm looking for, and see if she wouldn't mind telling me if she finds one or both.

Trying real hard to not spend money,