Use it up!

[shengmei]

Re: Use it up!

Saving anything for any occasion is kinda of a stupid idea. I always forget that I saved something for a special occasion. When the occasion finally arrives (a fancy dinner, for example) I either forget I have something already, or the something has spoiled, or that the occasion is so special that I want to go shopping for it in the first place.

[rob62521]

Re: Use it up!

My mom learned this lesson the hard way on saving stuff for a special occasion. She had crocheted doilies and embroidered tableclothes, but refused to use them -- she was saving them for good. When she went to get them out to actually use a couple of them, they had been in the closet so long without being used they rotted.

[shengmei]

Re: Use it up!

I am doing an invetory on all of my stuff and I just found out that a lot of stuff I haven't seen or used in five years. Most of them were makeup. I am pretty sure they are still good since makeup only gets bad once they are exposed to air a lot.

I can't seem to find them. It is driving me crazy!!! I must have lost a box during moving. I don't really know.

Man if I could only done my invetory sooner I would have saved so much money and stress.

[rickatheslicka]

Re: Use it up!

I used to be the sort that wouldn't use the last of something, because then it would be all gone and I would be sad (or so I thought). Only my idea of the "last" of something was often half of the bottle! So there I was with way too many half full bottles of lotion, perfume, etc.

Joined FLY lady a few months ago, and I have almost completely broken myself of this habit! I examined my bathroom closet closely, and anything that I didn't LOVE, I either tossed ("cringe") or put in the yard sale (peolple snatched those items up!). As for the things I do love, I gave myself permission to use it all, and then BUY more (crazy concept).

So now, I actually get satisfaction, even enjoyment, out of using up the last of something. It has been a complete 360 for me. The desire to use something up serves as an EXCUSE for me to enjoy something that I have ("three more bubble baths and I will use up that bottle! Guess I should take a bubble bath today!").

So I love your post, and per your suggestion, I look forward to using up the last of that delicious chocolate truffle sauce that I got for my birthday...

[Bookie]

Re: Use it up!

Reminds me of the six-pack of scouring powder I bought at a store closing. It was a fabulous deal at the time. Problem was that by the time I got around to using it, the powder had set up like concrete.

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: Use it up!

This post has made me think of one of the most poignant memoirs Ive ever read:

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

By: Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching TV - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous"...more "I'm sorrys"...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.

[Ima saver]

Re: Use it up!

Thank you Ray, that was beautiful!![Automated by GetSmile]

[TinyFish]

Re: Use it up!

Ooh, the Christmas post got me thinking. Don't forget to use up your holiday cards and wraps this year. Maybe take a quick inventory. That way you won't go 'Oh, I'd better buy some wrap and cards while I'm here when you start your holiday shopping'. I've found that we have enough wrap to keep us going for years, especially since we usually use gift bags that are recyclable and most of our gift giving is to people on the East Coast, so we aren't wrapping those because they are shipped directly to them.

-E!