Stuff, Stuff and Yes, More Stuff!

Stuff, Stuff and more Stuff, I’m overloaded with Stuff!!  Does this affect anyone besides me?  Well anyone besides me and the Hoarders?  I don’t hoard, I just don’t always plan well!  It doesn’t really matter what it is, I am making a conscious effort to check what I have before leaving the house and if I haven’t done that, then applying the same level of commitment to “Just Say NO” or at the very least, “Not NOW”!! 

I’m certain this will surprise everyone because I must be the only one who does this but I can quite literally have 8 or 10 cans of Cream Corn in the pantry on any given day.  “What’s the big deal you ask” well, only two of us live here and only one of the two will eat Cream Corn.  Seems silly to have so many.  Something I resolved to do better this year is to use what I have before replacing it or buying it again.  Another thing I tend to buy every time my feet cross the threshold of a supermarket or discount store is batteries and light bulbs.…hmmm….I’ll just leave that alone for now.

Diet Coke, I guess I figure that we’ll eventually drink it and we do.  Socks, both dress and athletic for Daddy-O, just how many does he need?  I swear there are dress socks in there still nicely wrapped in holiday tissue of one sort or another that I’ve been moving around now for a couple of years!  Enough already with the socks!  Here’s a big one….extra tooth brushes and dental floss, we’ve probably got more on hand than a number of self respecting dental practices in the area. 

Kitty Litter and we don’t even have a cat.  AawChoo!  I’m terribly allergic to them and can feel my ankles beginning to itch just thinking about it.  Great pets, just not in a place I’m going to spend much time.  There is however another use for this stuff, our builder told us it worked very well as a substitute for the hard rock salt or other little pellets that people put on sidewalks and porches to melt the snow and ice, thereby protecting the “soles of the souls” {{giggling}} they love or maybe those of a brave door to door salesperson!  We must have 5 bags of the stuff; you’d think I was preparing for the Great Boston Blizzard!

Shoes, Clothing and/or Accessories I’ve not worn for one reason or another (probably very good reasons, really) but still, if I haven’t worn them just why did I need them????  AaHa, there it is right there, need.  I’m on a personal mission to use what I have and then to evaluate honestly whether it needs (there’s that word again) replacing.  The dear lady who has cleaned our house for the past 13 years must love the way I think and shop as she is often the recipient of the excess!  Be forewarned Ms. Tina, my shopping habits are changing!  No longer will I buy 4 cans of Rotel Tomatoes because I don’t remember if I did so on my last outing.  Who am I kidding…..I’m sureI bought them last time I was in the store because I either forgot or didn’t take the time to look at what I actually had on hand prior to leaving the house.

Trash bags, ziplock bags, paper towels and the ever present little kitchen gadget, you‘re all on notice.  Don’t be offended next time we meet in the supermarket aisle and I walk right by you…..I still love you, I’m just not going to take you home with me!  Somebody out there “fess –up” who has 3 heads of Lettuce or 5 Avocado but will buy another when you’re out because you’re not sure if you have it at home!!  How about a group effort to stop this madness?  Think of the waste we’ll stop and the time we’ll gain by not having to re-arrange so everything fits! 

Love ya, The GG