This is one of my lists that has become an annual review of things I’ve been meaning to acquire. Writing it all down and looking at the costs makes it easier to prioritize and seperate need from greed.

• New Computer: This is a hold over from last year, but now I need one even more. The 64Mb integrated video isn’t cutting it. My new one will almost certainly be a refurbished 17″ MacBook Pro. The refurbished Apple products are one of their best kept secrets. Right now it has been 208 days since they’ve refreshed the MBP line, which is 8 days longer than the average time between updates. If I can wait until just after the update, the price on the current refurbished models will drop even more. (Estimated cost: $2100 + $300 for Applecare)
• PreSonus Firebox/Logic Express: Another hold over from last year, but I feel like this is low on the list of priorities right now. I may as well make sure I have some songs written and ready to go before I spend the money on recording equipment. Also, I need some more practice with a metronome. (Estimated cost: $150 for B-Stock Firebox, $199 for Logic Express or up to $499 for Logic Studio)
• Screen Printing Instruction: Screwball Press offers an 8 hour class on screen printing. The cost includes paper and ink to make 50 prints, plus membership to the printing facilities for a year. I’d intended to do this last year, but some car repairs set me back this fall. (Cost: $250)
• Motorcycle: On my list of life goals is to ride a motorcycle out west during a week long trip and take some shorter day trips during the summer. A motorcycle is necessary to do this. I haven’t owned a motorcycle in the last seven years, meanwhile the rest of my family has been adding to their collection of horses. Surely that means I’m entitled to my own luxury conveyance, right? (Estimated cost: $1500 for a well used street bike, closer to $6000 for the kind I’d like to have, plus insurance)
• Adobe Web Design Premium CS4: Currently I’m using the CS3 version of this software suite. I’m not sure how necessary it is to upgrade right now, especially since I’m not yet proficient in the version I have. This will become more important if I’m ever using most of the programs on a daily basis to do work for others. (Estimated cost: $599)
• CD Storage: In this age of mp3′s and iPods, I’ve been moving away from using CDs. Yet, I still like to have my music on CDs with the liner notes and all. Still, I’m considering a move to album storage in which the CD and booklet are stored in sleeves, thus eliminated hundreds of jewel cases (which, unfortunately, are not easily recycled). Still debating on the method to go with and there isn’t any sense of urgency on this one. (Estimated cost: $200?)
• Dresser: This is a holdover from 1999. My current dresser has external dimensions of 26″ x 15″ x 38″. The internal storage space amounts to a total 3.05 cubic feet. I’m pretty sure my mother has a bigger dresser stashed away in the brick house, but I’d rather have one medium to large size dresser than two small dressers. (Estimated cost: Free – $200?)
• iPod/Car Connector: I had one of these last year. It was great zipping around and having much of my music library at my fingertips. Then it got stolen.  Due to the complexities of the Mach 460 sound system in my car, it requires I buy a new head unit with 3 pairs of preamps to properly connect an iPod. Don’t try to sell me on those FM transmitters. (Estimated cost: $129 for refurbished 16GB iPod Nano OR $199 for refurbished 16GB iPod Touch OR $189 for refurbished120Gb iPod Classic. $200 for head unit.)
• Smartphone: Once upon a time the iPhone was the would be weapon of choice, but I can’t justify the monthly costs and don’t need all the things it does. I also fear I’d become one of those people who will not put it down (a number of you may remember my “Kill Your Cell Phone” campaign). It would be nice to send texts faster and maybe do some e-mail and use some light internet apps. I’m sure there are plenty of options that are more affordable than the iPhone, but I’ll wait until it’s more necessary to really look into it. (Estimated cost: $200 plus $45+/mo for data and calling plan)
• New car: And by new, I mean new to me. I love current ride. I do. However, it’s a pain to navigate a rear wheel drive V8 in the winter. And by pain, I mean absolutely awful. I’ve managed the last three years though, and I can manage another two and then get something cheap to drive in it’s place during inclement weather. (Estimated cost: $4000+)

I’m surprised how many items I acquired on my 2009 list. Some of the things I’m wanting most in 2010 are not things at all. Opportunities, time, personal goals, etc. I’ll leave it at that. Annual bucket list to follow soon.

Filed under: Materialism by John