What: cute decorative basket
Last used: 2007. Its been sitting in the kitchen, but we are going to hang it.
Origin: it was a handmade basket purchase at a craft show that I sold stuff in way way way back in the early 90s
Why kept: sticky
Destination: next amvets pickup. (I might list it on Freecycle)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Fire Prevention
What: Candle Stubs.Origin/Usage: Remnants of many a dinner party, saved in a ziploc bag in my outdoor pack.
How long kept: At least 10 years.
Destination: Trash.
Confession: Next time I go hiking, I can bring a fresher incendiary technology. At that time, will also replace the packages of kleenex and almost done roll of toilet paper I removed from the pack. They haven't been so useful sitting in that pack up in the top of my closet.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Minty freshy
What: mentadent dispenser
Why kept: might be useful, if we get Mentadent again. We just been using Crest lately. And it seems that every time we get new Mentadent, it comes with a dispenser anyway so..... Why keep it!?
How long kept: two tubes of toothpaste ago was the last time we used it (two months maybe)
Destination: recycle
I'm so excited that we are coming up on our 100th day. Hmmm, I'm going to have to find something that is really sticky to get rid of for my celebration of Day 100
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Why kept: might be useful, if we get Mentadent again. We just been using Crest lately. And it seems that every time we get new Mentadent, it comes with a dispenser anyway so..... Why keep it!?
How long kept: two tubes of toothpaste ago was the last time we used it (two months maybe)
Destination: recycle
I'm so excited that we are coming up on our 100th day. Hmmm, I'm going to have to find something that is really sticky to get rid of for my celebration of Day 100
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Hat Off!
Origin: Early sun protection impulses.
Usage: A lot...in the 80s.
Why kept: Nostalgia.
How long kept: Since 1983? Aaargh.
Destination: Trash. (It was shapeless, and lest you think it could be blocked, it was also starting to crack.)
Confession: Maybe I could have composted this. It must have been straw, jute or hemp.
Confession, cont: This one was sticky -- I love the person who used to wear this hat (a much younger and different version of me...)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Shoe issues
And I teased The Hubby about the amount of shoes he has. I guess I've been hoarding them.
What: Three pairs of sandals and a pair of shoes. One pair hurt just wearing them for a few moments!
Last used: 2-3 years
Why kept: Might wear them again
Destination: AMVets pickup this AM
We are working on rearranging some things around our house. I realize I don't need that many sandals!
Confession: I kept about three or four other pairs :-/
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What: Three pairs of sandals and a pair of shoes. One pair hurt just wearing them for a few moments!
Last used: 2-3 years
Why kept: Might wear them again
Destination: AMVets pickup this AM
We are working on rearranging some things around our house. I realize I don't need that many sandals!
Confession: I kept about three or four other pairs :-/
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Let It Snow
What: A Good Box.
Origin: Bought a lot of blank paper in early 2008.
Usage: The paper is gone, and for the last few weeks, this empty box keeps on getting knocked from my office shelf.
Why kept: It's a really nice box, and other than the fact that It's Perfectly Good, It Might Be Useful. I Might Need It.
How Long Kept: It was nearly empty for quite some time, maybe 6 months. Recently emptied, maybe right before the holidays.
Destination: Recycling. (Storage Boxes Are Evil!)
Blizzard, bring it! I'm not stopping.
(Though that's easy for me to say, as an apartment dweller I don't have to shovel. I suspect that "S" is hard at work, "releasing" snow from her driveway and sidewalks up in Beacon.)
Origin: Bought a lot of blank paper in early 2008.
Usage: The paper is gone, and for the last few weeks, this empty box keeps on getting knocked from my office shelf.
Why kept: It's a really nice box, and other than the fact that It's Perfectly Good, It Might Be Useful. I Might Need It.
How Long Kept: It was nearly empty for quite some time, maybe 6 months. Recently emptied, maybe right before the holidays.
Destination: Recycling. (Storage Boxes Are Evil!)
Blizzard, bring it! I'm not stopping.
(Though that's easy for me to say, as an apartment dweller I don't have to shovel. I suspect that "S" is hard at work, "releasing" snow from her driveway and sidewalks up in Beacon.)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Vaseless Accusation
What: Ack, 3 vases, 4 candleholders, tote bag.
Origin: Floral and other decoratory ambitions. Tote was swag from a benefit.
How long kept: All since the late 80s. Tote probably 2 years ago?
Last used: Uh, Bueller, Bueller? Anyone?
Why kept: Aargh. Out of Sight, Out of Mind. And I Might Need Them.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: The two glass vases (if you can see them -- the very 80s candleholders are buried at the bottom of the bag)? I kept two identical vases I probably should have released.
Sigh.
Origin: Floral and other decoratory ambitions. Tote was swag from a benefit.
How long kept: All since the late 80s. Tote probably 2 years ago?
Last used: Uh, Bueller, Bueller? Anyone?
Why kept: Aargh. Out of Sight, Out of Mind. And I Might Need Them.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: The two glass vases (if you can see them -- the very 80s candleholders are buried at the bottom of the bag)? I kept two identical vases I probably should have released.
Sigh.
The soap opera continues
"All My Penguins" or "As the Penguin Squirts"?
What: Christmas Penguin soap dispenser
Why kept: out of sight. It was found under my bathroom sink. It was also kept because it was cute and I might use it again.
Last used: probably 8-10 years ago
Destination: donated (probably went to Cancer Federation) or its in the next pile for Friday :)
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What: Christmas Penguin soap dispenser
Why kept: out of sight. It was found under my bathroom sink. It was also kept because it was cute and I might use it again.
Last used: probably 8-10 years ago
Destination: donated (probably went to Cancer Federation) or its in the next pile for Friday :)
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Plastic-y good
What: a plastic container for wipes
Why kept: might be useful. I thought about placing crayons or other small items in it but its not quite big enough for what we need to store
How long: hmm probably 6 month to a year
Destination:repurposed. This held the black light bulbs for Cancer Federation
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Why kept: might be useful. I thought about placing crayons or other small items in it but its not quite big enough for what we need to store
How long: hmm probably 6 month to a year
Destination:repurposed. This held the black light bulbs for Cancer Federation
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My Laundering Money
What: Stored value cards for our building's old laundry system. Some have money on them, some don't.
Origin: Cleanliness is next to...
How long kept: Probably 6 months since the laundry system upgrade.
Why kept: There's money on them, so They Might Be Useful.
Destination: The laundry company to see if I can get a refund. Otherwise, they can dispose of them.
Proclamation: Stored value cards are a trap.
Origin: Cleanliness is next to...
How long kept: Probably 6 months since the laundry system upgrade.
Why kept: There's money on them, so They Might Be Useful.
Destination: The laundry company to see if I can get a refund. Otherwise, they can dispose of them.
Proclamation: Stored value cards are a trap.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Duuuude!
What: two black lights and 1 flickering red bulb
Origin: I think I stole the red bulb & one of the black lights from our brother. The other I bought at a novelty shop in the 80s
Last used: the 80s aarrgh
Why kept: they are COOL dude! Might be useful and out of sight
Destination: Cancer Federation pick-up Tuesday
I thought about calling our brother to see if he wanted them back. I didn't :). These moved with me twice argh
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Origin: I think I stole the red bulb & one of the black lights from our brother. The other I bought at a novelty shop in the 80s
Last used: the 80s aarrgh
Why kept: they are COOL dude! Might be useful and out of sight
Destination: Cancer Federation pick-up Tuesday
I thought about calling our brother to see if he wanted them back. I didn't :). These moved with me twice argh
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To Tell The Tooth...
What: Useless New Dental Technology
Origin: Dental Swag
How long kept: Probably since 2008
Why kept: It might be better than ordinary floss, and It Might Be Useful; or, I might run out of floss and I Might Need It. Also, adding a new category: It Was Free.
Destination: Garbage
At the end of a dental visit yesterday, I went through the Swag they gave to me, and left other single-use flossers on the counter in the exam room. Single use flossers? Why? Why? I kept the toothbrush and floss, both of which will definitely be useful.
Confession, part 1: I put mascara on today for the first time in an age, and thought about using the tiny little brush on this flosser to separate my lashes.
Confession, cont: I also got rid of a bottle of toothpaste that had one squeeze of toothpaste left. There are several almost-empties in my medicine cabinets, which will be dispatched in the next week or so, though probably not blogged.
Origin: Dental Swag
How long kept: Probably since 2008
Why kept: It might be better than ordinary floss, and It Might Be Useful; or, I might run out of floss and I Might Need It. Also, adding a new category: It Was Free.
Destination: Garbage
At the end of a dental visit yesterday, I went through the Swag they gave to me, and left other single-use flossers on the counter in the exam room. Single use flossers? Why? Why? I kept the toothbrush and floss, both of which will definitely be useful.
Confession, part 1: I put mascara on today for the first time in an age, and thought about using the tiny little brush on this flosser to separate my lashes.
Confession, cont: I also got rid of a bottle of toothpaste that had one squeeze of toothpaste left. There are several almost-empties in my medicine cabinets, which will be dispatched in the next week or so, though probably not blogged.
Guest Post: Come file away with me
Welcome Back, "S"...I guess that this file has earned its last frequent flyer miles!
"Always tucked in a travel bag, this nail file has filed its last hangnail. I can't believe it has been with me since I was 16. That's 40 years, folks! Part of a manicure set from Great Aunt Lenora @ Christmas 1969. A lot of diamond dust later, (and the long pink handle has been MIA for at least 25 years)...it is now fodder for the metal recycle bin."
"Always tucked in a travel bag, this nail file has filed its last hangnail. I can't believe it has been with me since I was 16. That's 40 years, folks! Part of a manicure set from Great Aunt Lenora @ Christmas 1969. A lot of diamond dust later, (and the long pink handle has been MIA for at least 25 years)...it is now fodder for the metal recycle bin."
Monday, February 22, 2010
CFL Bulbs
What: seasonal light bulbs and regular light bulbs
Origin: stuff mart (more commonly known a Ikea)
Last used: the colored bulbs were used two Christmases ago and the regular bulbs were never used
Destination: they went in the Freecycle free4all
Origin: stuff mart (more commonly known a Ikea)
Last used: the colored bulbs were used two Christmases ago and the regular bulbs were never used
Destination: they went in the Freecycle free4all
Vase-cular Disease
What: Florist vase, marbles and yet another tote bag.
Origin: Valentine's Day flowers, and Aaargh, more swag.
Usage: Tote bag, once or twice. Vase was well used.
How long kept: Tote bag, think it was from a benefit last winter. Vase/marbles, since last week.
Why kept: Tote Bag, It Might Be Useful and Out of Sight, Out of Mind. (And might have to create a category, Tote Bag Disease.) And I actually didn't keep the Vase overlong-- put the dead flowers into the compost bin before leaving on my road trip last Friday morning.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: I almost took two more vases (from centerpieces at benefits). But decided that I liked them more than some of my older vases. Stay tuned for the vase purge...
Origin: Valentine's Day flowers, and Aaargh, more swag.
Usage: Tote bag, once or twice. Vase was well used.
How long kept: Tote bag, think it was from a benefit last winter. Vase/marbles, since last week.
Why kept: Tote Bag, It Might Be Useful and Out of Sight, Out of Mind. (And might have to create a category, Tote Bag Disease.) And I actually didn't keep the Vase overlong-- put the dead flowers into the compost bin before leaving on my road trip last Friday morning.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: I almost took two more vases (from centerpieces at benefits). But decided that I liked them more than some of my older vases. Stay tuned for the vase purge...
Guest item - The Hubby: "Giving them the boot"
What: cowboy boots. Very well loved boots.
Last used: we went riding before we were married so early 2000s. They have been on many-a-trip with him out West
Why kept: nostalgia, they might be useful, out of sight
Destination: Cancer Federation pick up
I'm very proud of him. I know how much he loves these boots :) Good job, darlin'!
Confession: I asked if he was sure if he wanted to get rid of them. For me it's hard to let go of nostalgia but he said they were not comfortable anymore
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Last used: we went riding before we were married so early 2000s. They have been on many-a-trip with him out West
Why kept: nostalgia, they might be useful, out of sight
Destination: Cancer Federation pick up
I'm very proud of him. I know how much he loves these boots :) Good job, darlin'!
Confession: I asked if he was sure if he wanted to get rid of them. For me it's hard to let go of nostalgia but he said they were not comfortable anymore
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Weekend Report: Blogging for "J"
It was a road trip with "J" (recipient of Outliers) to see another old friend, "AO".
After we arrived on Friday, J mentioned the stuff she was hauling in her trunk, and "AO" suggested that we visit the Goodwill on Saturday.
Goodwill won't take plastic toys because of concerns about lead (which hopefully makes us all think before we buy that next plastic toy), but they did take a couple of gigantic stuffed toys, clothing and a cache of shoes that "J"'s daughter had outgrown and which will absolutely be useful.
("J" and I each bought a sweater at Goodwill. Sigh.)
We had long discussions about the influence of the Depression and World War II on our parents, which informs my false frugality that leads me to want to save absolutely everything.
("AO" has the world's neatest closets and a beautifully organized home. I might have to interview her to find out how grew such amazing habits, which she developed long before our college days...)
Confession: I bullied "J" into letting the Ikea bag go. Sorry, "J". I don't even feel a frisson of guilt.
Bonus: While we were at Goodwill, we got a photo from "M" of her Freecycle Free4All! We're all connected.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Old technology
What: a cassette tape
Last used: 10+ years ago
Why kept: out of sight
Destination: it went to the free4all
Confession:I found this in the bathroom arrgh!
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Last used: 10+ years ago
Why kept: out of sight
Destination: it went to the free4all
Confession:I found this in the bathroom arrgh!
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Mess Transit
Origin: Annoying MTA insistence on selling the cards for cash value, rather than a number of rides (and having the number of rides have odd, hard to calculate costs due to multi-ride discounting.)
Usage: Some. I usually get the unlimited ride versions, unless I'll be out of town a lot.
How Long Kept: At least since Christmastime, one possibly since last August.
Why Kept: They're Worth Money.
Destination: They're done, shredded. I filled 'em up and used them both.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
free4all woot!
Oh my!! This was SO exciting. I wish we had time to take more photos. We were so overwhelmed (and I was a little scared -hee hee) with the response. I was scared that none of the stuff would be taken.
Additional stuff the Hubby got rid of includes: a breadmaker and a food dehydrater (a prior freecycle find that was used a few times last year). Probably about 50 people came through their cast-offs. My friend "S", her hubby, her dad and I packed up the remainders and took them immediately to Goodwill. "H", her hubby took the books to the library to donate. It was a great day!
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Additional stuff the Hubby got rid of includes: a breadmaker and a food dehydrater (a prior freecycle find that was used a few times last year). Probably about 50 people came through their cast-offs. My friend "S", her hubby, her dad and I packed up the remainders and took them immediately to Goodwill. "H", her hubby took the books to the library to donate. It was a great day!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
The poor Wonderdog
What: another rawhide bone
Origin: Christmas
Why kept: out of sight (we couldn't have her finding it)
Origin: it was a gift from X
Destination: Freecycle Free4All
I feel sorry for the poor pooch. She LOVES these but tends to eat them in large pieces with disagrees with her tummy. That is all I have to say about that. She's a good girl. I will have to find her a new nylabone :). Yay found an old nylabone - she's a happy girl
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Origin: Christmas
Why kept: out of sight (we couldn't have her finding it)
Origin: it was a gift from X
Destination: Freecycle Free4All
I feel sorry for the poor pooch. She LOVES these but tends to eat them in large pieces with disagrees with her tummy. That is all I have to say about that. She's a good girl. I will have to find her a new nylabone :). Yay found an old nylabone - she's a happy girl
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No Brownie Points For Me!
What: Frozen Brownies.
Origin: Neighborly holiday ambition, baked for holiday gift giving...these were extras.
How long kept: Since December, 2008.
Usage: Maybe some? In January 09.
Why kept: They Were Perfectly Good. Out of Sight, Out Of Mind. I might eat them, and thus They Might Be Useful. And, Aaargh.
Destination: Union Square Greenmarket Community Compost. Thank you, Lower East Side Ecology Center. Containers went to the #5 recycling bin at the grocery st0re.
Confession: When I took a good look in my freezer, as predicted...a few pounds of expired coffee. One was unopened. I saved it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Fishing for compliments
What: a bamboo planter sans bamboo
Last used: the bamboo met an untimely demise about 2 years ago
Why kept: sticky, it might be useful if I ever got more bamboo. I'm not going to get more bamboo...ever. I can't keep it alive
Destination: Freecycle Free4All
We are still going strong!!! We will gave to celebrate 100 days. I think we are close or perhaps we have passed it? I'll ty to check today
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Last used: the bamboo met an untimely demise about 2 years ago
Why kept: sticky, it might be useful if I ever got more bamboo. I'm not going to get more bamboo...ever. I can't keep it alive
Destination: Freecycle Free4All
We are still going strong!!! We will gave to celebrate 100 days. I think we are close or perhaps we have passed it? I'll ty to check today
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Bookmobile
What: Copy of Outliers.
Origin: Purchased a bunch of them for a client event.
Why kept: Too lazy to return it, and I promised it to a friend. (It Might Be Useful?)
How Long Kept: August, 2009
Destination: Giving to my friend (we're going on a road trip today!)
Origin: Purchased a bunch of them for a client event.
Why kept: Too lazy to return it, and I promised it to a friend. (It Might Be Useful?)
How Long Kept: August, 2009
Destination: Giving to my friend (we're going on a road trip today!)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Saving on dental work
What: misc candy
How long kept: some since Halloween. Scary
Why: we might eat it and out of sight
Destination: freecycle Free4All. Someone will take it, I can guarantee!
Confession: we kept our favorites (mmm baby ruth)
A Asks: M, when's the Free4All? Can you take photos?
How long kept: some since Halloween. Scary
Why: we might eat it and out of sight
Destination: freecycle Free4All. Someone will take it, I can guarantee!
Confession: we kept our favorites (mmm baby ruth)
A Asks: M, when's the Free4All? Can you take photos?
Tote Suite: First Out
What: Tote Bag from a WTC-related benefit I attended, stuffed to the gills with spare office supplies (I found a trove of index cards, for example) and some women's clothing.
Origin: Various.
Usage: Not much.
How long kept: One of the branded 3-ring binders, since 1993.
Why kept: Tote bag, office supplies -- both Out of Sight, Out of Mind, and They Might be Useful; binders, like "M"s post, have some nostalgia value, one is from grad school; clothes, I don't know; and a few books, because I might read them again and thus They Might Also Be Useful.
Destination: Housing Works.
Comment: This is the first of many, many tote bags to "go". They are like a swag virus -- why people feel that we need to leave every conference and benefit with "stuff", I'm not sure.
Confession: I recently organized a conference...we did the same thing.
Origin: Various.
Usage: Not much.
How long kept: One of the branded 3-ring binders, since 1993.
Why kept: Tote bag, office supplies -- both Out of Sight, Out of Mind, and They Might be Useful; binders, like "M"s post, have some nostalgia value, one is from grad school; clothes, I don't know; and a few books, because I might read them again and thus They Might Also Be Useful.
Destination: Housing Works.
Comment: This is the first of many, many tote bags to "go". They are like a swag virus -- why people feel that we need to leave every conference and benefit with "stuff", I'm not sure.
Confession: I recently organized a conference...we did the same thing.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
School supplies
What: three ring binders
Last used: 2003ish
Why kept: the contents were nostalgic (Spanish class notes and planning for a road rally/treasure hunt)
Destination: the binders are going to a primary school in Afghanistan (they will be useful) and the papers are in the recycle.
Last used: 2003ish
Why kept: the contents were nostalgic (Spanish class notes and planning for a road rally/treasure hunt)
Destination: the binders are going to a primary school in Afghanistan (they will be useful) and the papers are in the recycle.
Contact Paper
What: Business Card.
Origin: Networking at a baby shower.
How long kept: 3 days.
Why Kept: I might want to call this woman; It Might Be Useful.
Destination: Shredder (it still works!)
Confession: I actually shredded this one the other day. But today, a box of old cards (Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind, Storage Boxes Are Evil) that probably weighs a pound is going, going, gone. Some of those date from the 90s. Maybe even the late 80s. Aaargh. Some are people I don't even remember. (And again, some who I'm not in touch with for good reason. Aargh.)
As "M" would say, "woot". And I'm never keeping another business card again. It goes into the system, and it gets shredded.
Origin: Networking at a baby shower.
How long kept: 3 days.
Why Kept: I might want to call this woman; It Might Be Useful.
Destination: Shredder (it still works!)
Confession: I actually shredded this one the other day. But today, a box of old cards (Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind, Storage Boxes Are Evil) that probably weighs a pound is going, going, gone. Some of those date from the 90s. Maybe even the late 80s. Aaargh. Some are people I don't even remember. (And again, some who I'm not in touch with for good reason. Aargh.)
As "M" would say, "woot". And I'm never keeping another business card again. It goes into the system, and it gets shredded.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Scaling back on country themed clutter
What: an old scale that was a hand me down
Why kept: it might be useful
Origin: from Mother in the mid to early 90s.
Last used: months ago, perhaps even a year
Destination: freecycle free4all
My mantra: I will not bring home more garbage. I will not bring home more garbage. I will not bring home more garbage
Confession: or comment actually - we got the Wii fit and it has a scale in it. I really done weigh myself often because I do that at weight watchers. I'm lifetime :)
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Why kept: it might be useful
Origin: from Mother in the mid to early 90s.
Last used: months ago, perhaps even a year
Destination: freecycle free4all
My mantra: I will not bring home more garbage. I will not bring home more garbage. I will not bring home more garbage
Confession: or comment actually - we got the Wii fit and it has a scale in it. I really done weigh myself often because I do that at weight watchers. I'm lifetime :)
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Late Great Plate
What: Cracked Plate
Origin: Gift from Mom...and then, craftastic impulse, saved in my craft box. Storage Boxes Are Evil.
Usage: It used to have a giant cup. Used those quite a bit in the 90s.
Why kept: Thought I might like to experiment with decoupage. Thus, It Mght Be Useful. Uh, nope.
How Long Kept: Hmmm. In its broken state? Several years. Aargh.
Destination: Trash.
Bonus: This saucer goes with "M"s cup!
Origin: Gift from Mom...and then, craftastic impulse, saved in my craft box. Storage Boxes Are Evil.
Usage: It used to have a giant cup. Used those quite a bit in the 90s.
Why kept: Thought I might like to experiment with decoupage. Thus, It Mght Be Useful. Uh, nope.
How Long Kept: Hmmm. In its broken state? Several years. Aargh.
Destination: Trash.
Bonus: This saucer goes with "M"s cup!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Global cuppa knowledge
What: plastic coffee mug
Origin: from some computer training almost exactly one year ago. I became Microsoft certified! Woot!
Why kept: might be useful, nostalgia
Destination: freecycle free4all
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Origin: from some computer training almost exactly one year ago. I became Microsoft certified! Woot!
Why kept: might be useful, nostalgia
Destination: freecycle free4all
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Two Sheets To The Wind
What: Less than snowy white sheets, some sports bras with dead elastic, and other fabric scraps.
Origin: Various.
How long kept/Usage: Bras were 12 years old, unworn since the early 00s, and stored in my backpack. Sheets are of a more recent vintage, but were replaced quite some time ago and placed in a storage box.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Storage Boxes Are Evil. I might use the sheets in some kind of project, and thus They Might Be Useful.
Destination: Textile recycling, Mondays and Saturdays at Union Square Greenmarket.
Confession: I've started to always use bleach to keep my whites snowy. Is it environmentally justified? The other peroxide based options just don't work as well. Don't know if that is something about The Best Water In The World (which is sometimes discolored).
Confession, cont: I kept one sheet, which I actually have been using in my quilting classes.
Origin: Various.
How long kept/Usage: Bras were 12 years old, unworn since the early 00s, and stored in my backpack. Sheets are of a more recent vintage, but were replaced quite some time ago and placed in a storage box.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Storage Boxes Are Evil. I might use the sheets in some kind of project, and thus They Might Be Useful.
Destination: Textile recycling, Mondays and Saturdays at Union Square Greenmarket.
Confession: I've started to always use bleach to keep my whites snowy. Is it environmentally justified? The other peroxide based options just don't work as well. Don't know if that is something about The Best Water In The World (which is sometimes discolored).
Confession, cont: I kept one sheet, which I actually have been using in my quilting classes.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Shreddin' Through The Oldies
What: The 90s. In a 66 quart storage box.
Origin: I lived it.
Usage: Uh, does moving it storage and moving it back count as "usage"?
How long kept: Oldest thing shredded was from 1986 See confession.
Why kept: I Might Need It. Storage Boxes are Evil. Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Aaargh.
Destination: Recycling.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Confession: For a couple of years in the early 00s, I paid to store these tax, financial and other business records at a Manhattan Mini Store. Aargh.
Confession, cont: There was a lot of gnarly chi in that box. A couple of files from one of my early, great career roles...which was bailing out a failed project for the meanest, most humorless client corporation I have ever seen. Many many items from that job, including my letter of resignation and documentation of the legal imbroglio that ensued after I resigned. (I prevailed. Snap.)
And I kept on running across names of people I subsequently worked with who are no longer in my life -- in the final analysis (and I guess that a 4+ hour shred-a-thon qualifies as a final analysis) with good reason.
Bonus: I sometimes idealize the 90s as a kind of golden era. I now see, not so much!
Although many good things happened, and life was good, I left a lot of the not-so-good behind. (And lots of the physical evidence attaching me to it, literally or more ethereally, got shredded today!)
Extra bonus: If I've ever shared my GMAT score with you, I was probably wrong. Not that my friends and I talk GMATs all the time -- or ever -- but I've been grossly understating my score.
I freaking rocked the GMAT. In 1987.
(Confession: I saved the GMAT score report. Sticky.)
Origin: I lived it.
Usage: Uh, does moving it storage and moving it back count as "usage"?
How long kept: Oldest thing shredded was from 1986 See confession.
Why kept: I Might Need It. Storage Boxes are Evil. Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Aaargh.
Destination: Recycling.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Confession: For a couple of years in the early 00s, I paid to store these tax, financial and other business records at a Manhattan Mini Store. Aargh.
Confession, cont: There was a lot of gnarly chi in that box. A couple of files from one of my early, great career roles...which was bailing out a failed project for the meanest, most humorless client corporation I have ever seen. Many many items from that job, including my letter of resignation and documentation of the legal imbroglio that ensued after I resigned. (I prevailed. Snap.)
And I kept on running across names of people I subsequently worked with who are no longer in my life -- in the final analysis (and I guess that a 4+ hour shred-a-thon qualifies as a final analysis) with good reason.
Bonus: I sometimes idealize the 90s as a kind of golden era. I now see, not so much!
Although many good things happened, and life was good, I left a lot of the not-so-good behind. (And lots of the physical evidence attaching me to it, literally or more ethereally, got shredded today!)
Extra bonus: If I've ever shared my GMAT score with you, I was probably wrong. Not that my friends and I talk GMATs all the time -- or ever -- but I've been grossly understating my score.
I freaking rocked the GMAT. In 1987.
(Confession: I saved the GMAT score report. Sticky.)
Shower (heads) of love
What: shower head
Origin: The Hubby's bathroom
Last used: we replace it with a handheld jobby last summer
Why kept: I don't know
Destination: well it's been soaked in vinegar and made to look like new. It's going to the freecycle free4all
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Origin: The Hubby's bathroom
Last used: we replace it with a handheld jobby last summer
Why kept: I don't know
Destination: well it's been soaked in vinegar and made to look like new. It's going to the freecycle free4all
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sock It To Someone Else
What: Hiking socks.
Origin: Alpine aspirations.
Usage: Not in this century.
How long kept: Since probably 1999.
Why kept: Mostly Out of Sight, Out of Mind. But also, I Might Need Them.
Destination: A man who asked me for money in Penn Station.
Confession: I found 2 more pair of long unworn socks stored in my backpack when I was packing for the aforementioned ice climbing class. Aaargh! (And, in a way, Storage Boxes Are Evil...I do store a bunch of my outdoor gear in my pack.)
I've been carrying them around with me for a while, waiting for someone who wants them. The other pair will meet a similar fate.
Confession, cont: These were refused last week by a too-well-dressed, hipstery-looking guy in his 20s who asked me for "50 cents so that I can get a sandwich," outside of Whole Foods. Something wasn't hanging together in that transaction (having nothing to do with being miffed about the kid not wanting my socks...)
Addendum: This post is similar to another, but the "stuff" came from a different source. I won't post this again, but will note that (other than the case above) the clearly homeless men I've asked about this have enthusiastically and gratefully accepted socks.
Over the years my friends and I have had many conversations about how to "help" homeless people without harming. Money might be spent on drugs. Food, if sugary, might contribute to tooth decay. Signs in the subway tell us to call 311, but clearly that's not working out so well. And I think it's better to see these people, and affirm them in some non-judgemental way. I'm thinking that I'm going to start to always keep socks on hand for such purposes. (Not bloggable, just a digression.)
Origin: Alpine aspirations.
Usage: Not in this century.
How long kept: Since probably 1999.
Why kept: Mostly Out of Sight, Out of Mind. But also, I Might Need Them.
Destination: A man who asked me for money in Penn Station.
Confession: I found 2 more pair of long unworn socks stored in my backpack when I was packing for the aforementioned ice climbing class. Aaargh! (And, in a way, Storage Boxes Are Evil...I do store a bunch of my outdoor gear in my pack.)
I've been carrying them around with me for a while, waiting for someone who wants them. The other pair will meet a similar fate.
Confession, cont: These were refused last week by a too-well-dressed, hipstery-looking guy in his 20s who asked me for "50 cents so that I can get a sandwich," outside of Whole Foods. Something wasn't hanging together in that transaction (having nothing to do with being miffed about the kid not wanting my socks...)
Addendum: This post is similar to another, but the "stuff" came from a different source. I won't post this again, but will note that (other than the case above) the clearly homeless men I've asked about this have enthusiastically and gratefully accepted socks.
Over the years my friends and I have had many conversations about how to "help" homeless people without harming. Money might be spent on drugs. Food, if sugary, might contribute to tooth decay. Signs in the subway tell us to call 311, but clearly that's not working out so well. And I think it's better to see these people, and affirm them in some non-judgemental way. I'm thinking that I'm going to start to always keep socks on hand for such purposes. (Not bloggable, just a digression.)
Buh bye paperweight
Saturday's post
What: paperweight
Origin: a conference in 2008
Why kept: I couldn't figure what to do with it (recycling wise)
Destination: garbage
Confession: the Hubby and I tried and tried to find an alternate use and we had no luck! Buh bye desk clutter!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
What: paperweight
Origin: a conference in 2008
Why kept: I couldn't figure what to do with it (recycling wise)
Destination: garbage
Confession: the Hubby and I tried and tried to find an alternate use and we had no luck! Buh bye desk clutter!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Okay I may have an issue (late post)
Honest. I picked this off the shelf in my bathroom last evening but the forgot to take a photo and post! I hope my fellow bloggers forgive me. I have forgiven myself :)
What: two more candles
Last used: last summer when we had a power outage
Why kept: they were a gift from X and I'm not quite sure. They weren't very fragrant
Destination: Freecycle free for all
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
What: two more candles
Last used: last summer when we had a power outage
Why kept: they were a gift from X and I'm not quite sure. They weren't very fragrant
Destination: Freecycle free for all
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Friday, February 12, 2010
Trash Strong
Origin: Charity event I volunteered at. I think.
How long kept: ? Maybe since 2004?
Why kept: I'm clueless. Mainly Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Trash
Confession: I'm "back posting"...since I fell asleep early after a long day (and then awoke in the middle of the night unable to sleep, possibly due to that nagging feeling that I had forgotten something!)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Candle in the wind?
Okay its a "melt" or several of them
Origin: yankee candle co
Last used: 2005ish
Destination: I was at a friend's house and noticed she had a holder that was empty. She said she'd love them. So the Boy and I dropped them off today
Confession. I saved one of each flavor for myself :)
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Origin: yankee candle co
Last used: 2005ish
Destination: I was at a friend's house and noticed she had a holder that was empty. She said she'd love them. So the Boy and I dropped them off today
Confession. I saved one of each flavor for myself :)
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Guest Post: My "mom jeans" are taking a hike
"S", your jeans look like they are making your last stand...before you decamp to warmer climes!
"Well, they weren't always "mom jeans" but since I live in Levis shrink-to-fits, whenever I put these on, that's what they feel like, with the ever-so-slightly tapered leg and waist that (gasp) comes almost above my navel. I remember when they were the most expensive jeans I ever bought--Italian, I think--"Big John" (cringe) and from the mid-90s. Actually, they still hold that distinction, because my Levis are $39 at Dave's Army Navy. Off to the Union Square textile recycle bag. A white paint smudge on the butt prevents the typical route of going cut-off or Goodwill."
Travel safely, have fun, and we'll see you online (and hopefully in real life) after you return.
"Well, they weren't always "mom jeans" but since I live in Levis shrink-to-fits, whenever I put these on, that's what they feel like, with the ever-so-slightly tapered leg and waist that (gasp) comes almost above my navel. I remember when they were the most expensive jeans I ever bought--Italian, I think--"Big John" (cringe) and from the mid-90s. Actually, they still hold that distinction, because my Levis are $39 at Dave's Army Navy. Off to the Union Square textile recycle bag. A white paint smudge on the butt prevents the typical route of going cut-off or Goodwill."
Travel safely, have fun, and we'll see you online (and hopefully in real life) after you return.
Coffee (Un)Clutch
What: Old coffee.
Usage: Some, including some fairly recent.
Origin: Thanks, Mom!
How Long Kept: Um, not sure...one expired in March of 09, the other in August of 09.
Why kept: I might drink more of it, and thus It Might Be Useful.
Destination: Compost (and trash for the packages).
Confession: Every summer, my mom and I sit by the lake and drink yummy coffee. She often says, "would you like me to send you some of the (this year: organic summer blend)?" and I always say yes. Hence several partial bags of coffee.
Note to self: Just Say No to coffee!
Confession, part deux: I stash my compost in the freezer between periodic drops at the Union Square Greenmarket. Because of the weather, I have a larger stash, ready to go in compostable Bio-Bags, hopefully this weekend. I fear that when I unload the freezer, I'll unearth some more undrunk coffee.
Usage: Some, including some fairly recent.
Origin: Thanks, Mom!
How Long Kept: Um, not sure...one expired in March of 09, the other in August of 09.
Why kept: I might drink more of it, and thus It Might Be Useful.
Destination: Compost (and trash for the packages).
Confession: Every summer, my mom and I sit by the lake and drink yummy coffee. She often says, "would you like me to send you some of the (this year: organic summer blend)?" and I always say yes. Hence several partial bags of coffee.
Note to self: Just Say No to coffee!
Confession, part deux: I stash my compost in the freezer between periodic drops at the Union Square Greenmarket. Because of the weather, I have a larger stash, ready to go in compostable Bio-Bags, hopefully this weekend. I fear that when I unload the freezer, I'll unearth some more undrunk coffee.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
You're Canned
What: tin from christmas cookies
Last used: mid January. Those were a tasty gift!
Why kept: sloth :)
Destination: Freecycle free4all.
Sorry to be short, but I'm exhausted! Good night Things 365 friends!!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Last used: mid January. Those were a tasty gift!
Why kept: sloth :)
Destination: Freecycle free4all.
Sorry to be short, but I'm exhausted! Good night Things 365 friends!!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Guest Post: "Juicin' days are over..."
"Plastic juicer that is pretty grungy, possibly 30 years old, and hasn't been touched (other than moving it to find the flour sifter, which is how it became next on my hit list).
Goodwill can determine if has squeezed its last lemon or not. I am really bad at manning that final switch."
Thanks for the juicy post, "S".
Goodwill can determine if has squeezed its last lemon or not. I am really bad at manning that final switch."
Thanks for the juicy post, "S".
I'll Take Potpourri For $20, Alex
What: Various odds and ends. A takeout container that, until laundry this morning, contained some laundry detergent. An almost empty hand cream. About 3 tablespoons of mung beans. (Organic. Sprouted.)
How long kept: Also various. All circa some time in 2009. Maybe late 2008 for the hand cream?
Why kept: They Might Be Useful. And, Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Takeout container, recycling, via Preserve Brands pickup at the grocery store for #5 plastic (which NYC does not recycle). Hand cream, if I can squeeze any more out of there, done. Then, trash. And mung beans, I bought some more yesterday and plan to make some kichuri tonight.
Confession: Here's what I'm noticing. Things that I do over and over again. Like putting an empty advil container back in the medicine chest. Like buying a new hand cream before the old one is gone (maybe because I'm traveling, so a valid purchase) and then leaving the old one there, um, forever.
And Aaargh, why the heck didn't I just cook the extra few tablespoons of mung beans the last time I made kichuri?
Bonus: I'm also noticing how much emptier my cabinets, medicine chest and closet shelves are becoming. Things seem to be less sticky, overall.
Noticing this stuff for the blog actually is leading me to notice other stuff, and dispatch it with less fanfare and drama.
(Or is it comedy?)
How long kept: Also various. All circa some time in 2009. Maybe late 2008 for the hand cream?
Why kept: They Might Be Useful. And, Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Takeout container, recycling, via Preserve Brands pickup at the grocery store for #5 plastic (which NYC does not recycle). Hand cream, if I can squeeze any more out of there, done. Then, trash. And mung beans, I bought some more yesterday and plan to make some kichuri tonight.
Confession: Here's what I'm noticing. Things that I do over and over again. Like putting an empty advil container back in the medicine chest. Like buying a new hand cream before the old one is gone (maybe because I'm traveling, so a valid purchase) and then leaving the old one there, um, forever.
And Aaargh, why the heck didn't I just cook the extra few tablespoons of mung beans the last time I made kichuri?
Bonus: I'm also noticing how much emptier my cabinets, medicine chest and closet shelves are becoming. Things seem to be less sticky, overall.
Noticing this stuff for the blog actually is leading me to notice other stuff, and dispatch it with less fanfare and drama.
(Or is it comedy?)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
It's starting to add up
What: old algebra text books
Origin: a class I took in 2000 or 2001.
Why kept: might be useful? When? I'm not sure. Maybe when the boys are in school? I have to wait over 10 years for that. I bet their text books will be able to refresh my memory when the time comes! If not, we have a friend that can help. I can't even say out of site... They were at eye level on the shelf at the end of the hall. Maybe a little nostalgia. This was the first course I tool when I went back to school. I really like math. It's like a puzzle.
Destination: freecycle free4all
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Origin: a class I took in 2000 or 2001.
Why kept: might be useful? When? I'm not sure. Maybe when the boys are in school? I have to wait over 10 years for that. I bet their text books will be able to refresh my memory when the time comes! If not, we have a friend that can help. I can't even say out of site... They were at eye level on the shelf at the end of the hall. Maybe a little nostalgia. This was the first course I tool when I went back to school. I really like math. It's like a puzzle.
Destination: freecycle free4all
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Medicine Chest Ephemera
What: From the annals of my medicine chest: a bunch of expired items, no longer usable items, and empty containers.
Origin: Various salutary and cosmetic objectives.
How long kept: The "papier poudre" was in a cosmetic bag I used to keep in my office at my last corporate gig...which ended over 2 years ago. Procurement date: can't even begin to make a guess.
Usage: The Claritin is the most recently used item -- I had a sinus thing that blocked my ears and had to fly in September, 09.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, and Aaargh (the empty Advil container? Why, why?)
Destination: Trash, recycling, and the NYC Sewage system.
Confession: I'm sure that the Claritin could have gone to some kind of pharma pickup. I apologize for flushing 2 more pharmaceuticals tablets into our water table. The papier poudre, maybe I could have recycled it? But it had all of that "poudre" cracking off of the "papier". Sigh.
Confession, cont.: This was a hail Mary pass. I was about to go to bed without having "blogged" anything today. I'm glad I reached for it; it only kept me up another 15 minutes.
Confession, part III: There are a couple of questionable items remaining in the medicine chest:
Origin: Various salutary and cosmetic objectives.
How long kept: The "papier poudre" was in a cosmetic bag I used to keep in my office at my last corporate gig...which ended over 2 years ago. Procurement date: can't even begin to make a guess.
Usage: The Claritin is the most recently used item -- I had a sinus thing that blocked my ears and had to fly in September, 09.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, and Aaargh (the empty Advil container? Why, why?)
Destination: Trash, recycling, and the NYC Sewage system.
Confession: I'm sure that the Claritin could have gone to some kind of pharma pickup. I apologize for flushing 2 more pharmaceuticals tablets into our water table. The papier poudre, maybe I could have recycled it? But it had all of that "poudre" cracking off of the "papier". Sigh.
Confession, cont.: This was a hail Mary pass. I was about to go to bed without having "blogged" anything today. I'm glad I reached for it; it only kept me up another 15 minutes.
Confession, part III: There are a couple of questionable items remaining in the medicine chest:
- Lipsticks. Some can be recycled at the Mac counter, I believe. (Though, trashed last week: some Avon sample sizes in unflattering colors, the gift of a moonlighting colleague circa 2007);
- An aerosol can of Evian, from the days when you could bring this sort of thing onto an airplane for facial refreshment. I sprayed some on my face tonight. Refreshing, hopefully not toxic, Nostalgia;
- and, several items of the bandage variety.
Guest Post: Wish winter would expire soon, too
"Thinking of balmy beaches as I peruse that "summer" area of my closet and find flip flops that have started to peel like my skin will should I keep using this expired sunscreen ('04). Dumped lotion, recycled bottle, trashed footwear. Here comes the sun! Or snow. Or sun!"
It's a two-fer Tuesday from "S" because the ladies here at 365 Things didn't catch her post yesterday. Hey, we can't get an "A" in everything.
It's a two-fer Tuesday from "S" because the ladies here at 365 Things didn't catch her post yesterday. Hey, we can't get an "A" in everything.
Guest Post: Knick-knack paddy-wack...
Give the dog a bone! Poor guys have been penned in the basement for 9 years--talk about neglect! The English bull terrior is missing a leg & tail, and the Scotties (or Westies?) are healthy and awaiting adoption at Goodwill. All were gifts. Sure, I like dogs. I like cats. And turtles, and armadillos, and frogs, and owls. I no longer like critters all over my shelves.
"S", one of my favorite lines from a movie is something along the lines of, "Black and white, it really captures the moment..." Thanks for your post, and for giving me a chance to quote the movie.
"S", one of my favorite lines from a movie is something along the lines of, "Black and white, it really captures the moment..." Thanks for your post, and for giving me a chance to quote the movie.
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