If there is one thing I’ve noticed among my fellow book bloggers, book buying bans and budgeting for book spending is quite common. With this book blogger… well, not so much.
I have a problem with book buying. I buy lots, and lots, and lots of books. In two and a half months I added just over 100 new books to my collection, and those don’t even count the free ebooks offered through big book stores or books for review. Its not that I don’t have enough books to read, I have plenty. I just love to buy books. I love to have them, smell them, hold them. You know, all that general bibliophile stuff.
I know myself well enough to know that I cannot hold myself to a book buying ban. I just don’t have the self-control it takes to buy no books at all. However, I can, and am, putting limitations on my book buying from now on. No more spending a hundred bucks at the bookstore without blinking. From here on out I am commiting a larger portion of my usual spending money to savings and will be taking home far less books than I usually do.
Why the new rule and why am I sharing this here, you may be wondering. Well, the reason I put this on the blog is because announcing my intention to limit my book buying is a better way to hold myself to it. If I don’t tell anyone my plans, its easier for me to justify a slip up to myself. The blog gives me something to hold myself accountable to. As for why I am limiting my buying… There are a couple of reasons. The first I have actually mentioned around here before. As I’m graduating from college in just over a year, I’ll be heading to grad school next fall. None of the schools I’m looking at are in my home state and I’ll be moving off on my own for the first time. That’s a pretty huge deal, and it’s something I need to plan for. The other reason is a bit more exciting – my graduation present to myself. I’ll be the first person in my immediate family to complete a four year college degree which is a pretty huge deal for me. I’ve busted my ass to get as far as I have up to this point, so the way I see it, a reward to myself is in order. A friend and I are planning a trip to England for early next summer. My friend has been a lot of places, but England isn’t one of them. Myself, well, I’ve been in Heathrow on my way to and from Ireland, but that doesn’t actually count, now does it…
The two of us are pretty hyped about the trip. It’s been so long since I’ve traveled somewhere for fun, I figure the next trip ought to be a big one. We’re hoping to spend a few weeks, so we need to get our asses into saving money mode. So, here’s to not spending so much money and buying fewer books. Wish us luck!
Among Stories 
The only limit I (sometimes) place on my book buying is thought of time to read them and space to store them. Which often results in me buying them anyway – oh, and sometimes I can’t remember if I own them or not which (usually) makes me stop buying for a little while.
I’m not sure how many I’ve bought this year so far… Maybe 30… or 40… I’m on pause mode with my Amazon Wish List ATM because it’s my birthday soon and I don’t want to buy stuff that other people are planning to buy me. After *that* though…. [rubs hands].
When I’ll read books and where I’ll store them doesn’t stop me from buying either. I can justify around either of those things no problem. As for not being sure if I own it, I work from a list of books that I want and cross them off the list when I get them. It works out pretty well for me.
I never really thought of making an Amazon wish list… something to think about there. I love birthdays and gift-giving holidays. I get serious bookstore gift card-age. =] Happy almost birthday! I hope it’s a good one!
Oh, where are you planning to go when you’re over here? Or haven’t you got that far yet?
We haven’t decided on specifics yet. We’re definitely going to spend at least a week in London though and see all the general touristy things. I’m also pretty hyped to check out the London Eye. I also want to go north and see the Lake District. I have a serious thing for castles so I want to check a few out.
At this point though, we’re both making lists of where we want to go and what we want to see so we can narrow it down and come up with a plan.
Any suggestions?
London will definitely keep you occupied for a week – especially if you’re into history, art and culture. The London Eye is fun if you get a clear day. I’ve been on it twice at least. The Lake District is beautiful. I went to University just south of their (in Lancaster if you want to check your maps) so spent quite a bit of my time there.
My friend is part of a Medieval re-enactment group so is an expert on castles. I’ll ask her for her recommendations. London-wise I’d certainly visit the Tower of London…..
There is so much to see! I want to walk Hyde Park and go to the British Museum and what tourist goes to England without seeing Buckingham Palace? The Tower of London is definitely on the list as well. I’ve heard and read that London is one of the greatest cities to walk so we’ll probably spend time walking around aimlessly just having fun and getting lost. I’ve (obviously) only seen pictures of the Lake District, but every time I look at pictures I’m in awe. I can only imagine what it’s like in person. It must have been amazing to be able to spend time there.
I love, love, love castles. I only saw a few in Ireland, but castles were one of my favorite parts of visiting. Much as there is history in the States, it’s nothing compared to other parts of the world.
I’m kind of bummed that I’m not going to get to spend a lot of time there though. My original plan was to apply to grad school in England and Ireland and that way I could travel while I was there, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to find a way to make that work money wise. I’m still excited about what time I will get to spend there though! =]