Should I stay or ...

Should I go?

Something that has been occupying my thoughts in a very real way recently is whether or not I renew my season ticket next time round.
On one hand this season has been great in as much as I have bought my son his first season ticket and we have been attending matches together, in fact his first away match will be Forest away in a few weeks. I thought that it might be a promotion season (how naive!) and that it would be a great way to keep Camel Jr. from the clutches of his Manchester City loving grandad. No such luck on the pitch but the boy is a full on white now and that won't change. I know too that being there for matches regularly and getting to know the people around us has been a brilliant experience for him and formed a sense for him of a football community; something that nurtures the love of a club more than any amount of trophies and title wins will ever do for a young supporter watching the top 4 on the telly week in and week out. That's no more being a supporter than it is being a fan of a particular Formula one team. No real connection, just reflected glory and vicarious bragging rights.
The shared experience I had with my friends at the matches that saw seasons of relegation and then play-offs are what really cemented my love of BWFC . I still see some of those same folks there now and we have a bond, something tangible that means more than just being a fan. I know it is doing the same for him.
I wouldn't want him to lose this, besides which after having a few years off, this is my first season ticket for a while and I'm loving all that means even more than I did the first time around.

Now I know that sounds all well and good but here's the rub. In these straightened times one has to be pragmatic and there are many issues pressing on my time and money.
I'm engaged to be married later this year and while we're doing it on the cheap it's still a pricey business. Then there's a three week trip to the Philippines to fund next Xmas for my future wife's family reunion that only comes around every 25 years. Can't miss that and it's bloody expensive.
Inflation is rising while my wages aren't and things get tighter by the month.
I paid this time on the installment plan but typically Wanderers messed it up and due to not taking the first 3 payments at the right time I ended up paying not over 7 months but over 5 and it bumped up the monthly cost significantly.
The customer service while cheerful was distinctly underwhelming to say the least. I feel they owe me some goodwill but it won't be forthcoming.
It would be easy to not renew and to go back to seeing the odd match and listening on the radio but after being "involved" this season it will be a let down and I'll miss it.
I know my missus will be happier having an extra 80 quid a month in the kitty and it would go a long way. Is what I get from the season ticket worth missing out on what else we could do with it?

I guess I have a few months to mull it over but it is not an easy thing to sort out. I'm a white through and through though and will ever remain so because I have that shared bond with many of you on here. Even though I wish I could knock a few of your heads together though sometimes for the senseless brickering, (apologies for the Freudian slip) I meant of course , bickering.

Anyway, that's my rambling thoughts for the moment, I don't know what it adds up to yet but some sort of conclusion will present itself in time.

THC