Emptied Out

Emptied out, I still had a full storage unit to fill. My parents died in my teens and I had ample "family history" to store. I also had friends who wanted to "remake my image." I was toted around for cheap, stylish wardrobe, home accents etc. Was I pretty or what?!!? Truth be told, I spent less on fine clothing than they spent on cheap style and I soon came to miss the old "me."

I shop out of need and necessity - always did. I keep the same pair of old shoes until they have no soles and then I resole them as getting rid of them is, somehow sad. I have 30+ pair of shoes - most are over 10 years old. I'm somewhat a hippy and half a middle aged style maven. My kids shop sale racks, always did and now, resale shops. My son wears the latest Billabong and Hurley styles at $3.00 a piece. My girls don't even look at a retail rack, but they are damn cute! As cute as my wealthy counterparts, no, but given the right Payless shoes and hairdo, they do okay!

My motto now is "If we bring something new into the house, what are we getting rid of?!"

I am a huge recorder, picture taker and keeper of memories. They choose what leaves and I follow the very same rules as my kids so the playing field is fair. If something comes in, something leaves. I'll photo it, I'll chronicle the journey, but I will not collect and I also do not choose their disposal. Frankly, they are usually wise and no one is taking anything beloved away. you'd be surprised what they will let you sell at a yard sale that you probably purchased at a yard sale so you break even!

My kids found a box of OLD PHOTOS tonight - the iguana, the first meal, the preschool field trip, Mom and Dad swimming with dolphins, the old dogs, the old boat, Mom and Dad parasailing, our first home and the flowering cherry..........the fun was in the dialog and the stories behind each photo.

Stuff is not important. Our conversation tonight was PRICELESS!
Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification