A Reforming Squirrel
I’m trying to figure out why I have so many containers of tea covering two shelves of a cabinet. I drink maybe two of these on a regular basis. Only one was a gift, so that means I must have purchased the rest of these colorful boxes of tea.
The same thing is true of shampoo. I seem to keep acquiring a variety of hair products far faster than I am using them up.
So I have a new plan for things like this that seem to be multiplying. I’m determined to use them up -- every last teabag, every last drop of shampoo -- before buying more of either.
I could go a little nuts if I extended this to things like wrapping paper, where I have about 25 miscellaneous rolls of paper, some of which date back probably as many years.
But it will be interesting to see what happens if I just stick to tea and shampoo. I wonder if I’ll be tempted by an exotic tea or a new kind of shampoo?
Am I the only one stockpiling things, or is this just a symptom of American opulence, now turned to austerity?
posted by Barbara at 4:29 PM
12 Comments:
So funny that you should post this today. Yesterday I decided to make sun tea to have in my refrigerator. The choices in my cupboard were so numerous that I ended up choosing a mix of: Constant Comment, lemon zinger and plain old liptons cold brew. The result is delicious but I think the Constant Comment is from 1994 or before! Good thing tea leaves don't go bad!
As for shampoo: don't get me started!
I've always tended to be a stockpiler as well (take after my mother in that regard). More recently, I've been craving less clutter and more space in my living areas, and have been getting rid of stuff (unneeded, unloved, non-useful, etc.), including "doubles" of favorite sundries, etc. I try to have on hand a spare of the items I use and deplete continually, and other than that am trying to accept that I can't be stockpiled for every eventuality! :-)
It's a long haul, but feels great. Sort of an ongoing Spring Clean!
F.
My husband's a stockpiler and unfortunately it is a little bit contagious. I used to have a problem with New Yorker magazines piling up until I stopped subscribing and just read all of the old issues until they were gone. That took about three years. Now I just buy the occasional issue now and then.
I keep almost everything. My mom and grandma do the same thing to varying degrees. Most of what I keep are stickers, stick on body jewelery, and temporary tattoos. I guess I keep thinking that one day I will have the perfect outfit to wear these with, but I can never seem to remember that I have them when donning said outfits!
OMG, the tea! I have so many boxes that I bought thinking I would like them, but I just drink the same old ones over and over. Maybe I will follow your lead and make myself use what I have until it's gone. Summertime iced tea is a good way to use them up--a new "blend" every couple of days.
I can tell I'm in good company! Thanks for the affirmation.
I have tons of tea, boxes and packets of it, but luckily I use it quickly and often give it away to others, so it can't get stale. The box of yogi tea in front looks exactly like my exotic gift from Lori, all the way from California.. first time I've ever had yogi tea, and it's lovely! :)
I have vowed to use up every bottle of shampoo, conditioner, lotions and face cream before buying one more.
This includes all of the teeny sample bottles that I get for travel or as gifts with makeup purchases.
So far I'm doing a damn good job. Now If I can only get rid of the gallon of mane n' tail conditioner for my hair. (maybe when I get a horse I'll be able to finish it up)
Karen -- I'll have to work on the Yogi tea, even though it's for some ailment.
Gewels -- You are my hero! Even the samples -- Wow!
The tea we periodically talk about pitching but we never do.
The shampoo--I am devoted to one kind so that's not a problem. I do collect the little sample bottles from hotels and either put them in the guest room for possible use or give them away to homeless shelters.
i tend to do this with tea too!
does get a bit out of control - but its nice to be able to search now and then and find something unexpected that i've not tasted for a while
My mother grew up in Germany during WWII. So, it's against her nature to throw anything away, and when she is given something,
albiet, something she may never use, it's tucked away in a corner.
Me. too.
I think a lot of that has something to do w/ our parents.
Tina
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