material obsessions

i would never describe myself as a materialist person and would like to think that i can resist the brand marketing pretty well. hmm, well it's true for the most part... but there are two brands that i just luv! pumas, my oldest obsession, began when with the purchase of my first pair of suades back in the late 90s when pumas were actually hard to come by. i remember being inspired by a picture of tommy smith and john carlos, two african-american athletes at the 1968 olympics, taking off their pumas and giving the black power salute to protest racism as they received their medals. my other obsession, mountain equipment coop, better known as mec makes the best bags ever. i already have a bunch but while perusing their site today i came across a few more that i would like to acquire. the desire is sooo strong. what can i do? i’m tempted to set up a “wish list” but i know it will simply encourage my materialistic tendencies. but in my defense, i haven’t drank coke in over 4 years as a sign of protest so i’m not a lost cause yet.