I read a post somewhere on the forum from a merchant who complained that spending in bitcoins drops when the price rises. It's obvious why; everyone wants to hold to capture future increases.

But I've found myself doing just the opposite. I've divided my initial purchase of coins into two piles; a two thirds portion that is for long term holding, and the remaining third is for spending, at propitious times. I basically regard this second pile as a sheep to be sheared. I maintain a minimum (dollar) balance and spend when it grows above that. So a price run up has the opposite effect on me.

So this last Saturday I spent some bitcoin at Ultimate Consignment in Mesa Arizona. I was only the second person to purchase there with it. And while I know I was giving up whatever future earnings I may have gotten from the spent coins, I also know I was doing something positive to help it succeed. And besides it's fun!