This year I have chosen to abstain from attending any homeschool conventions. I have several reasons, but let's see if I can come up with 10. ;)
1. Last year I didn't see anything that I didn't already know about.
2. I'd rather sit in the living room of another homeschool mom to flip through curriculum that I'd like to see before I buy.
3. I don't want to be sold on any particular curriculum by someone who is working for that company.
4. I have never gotten the best price on curriculum that I'm actually LOOKING for at a convention. I have always gotten a better price buying from Amazon or buying used from another homeschool mom.
5. I am usually led astray by good deals on items I never intended on buying in the first place.
6. I don't find it wise to live in constant temptation. The glossy exciting catalogs that you bring HOME are a reference, but also a great temptation and distraction.
7. Buying everything I think I need for the entire school year before it starts usually leaves me with several items that I thought I needed unused.
8. These unused items cause guilt because I bought them new and paid the price, so they end up on the (I might use it someday) SHELF.
9. Buying items as I NEED them throughout the school year, or when (the items I NEED) they are deeply discounted reduces my expenses and guilt.
10. Last but not least, it is hot and crowded in those convention halls and I leave with a headache.
Bonus: I have to pay to get into these conventions that leave me with a headache! ;)
