Hoarding?

Like many people I am fascinated by hoarders. It is probably part of basic human nature to want lots of things to have in case hard times come along. With hoarders the genetic "off" switch that signals one has "enough" may not be working. Some people, like me, simply get pleasure from having a large supply of "stuff". In one case, it's inexpensive clothing--the wash-and-wear kind--as well as other things I'll mention later on.

I took a quick inventory of my closet--not a huge space but it's all mine. I have 26 short-sleeved tops, 34 3/4 or long sleeved ones, and just 6 tee shirts that I wear, but several other souvenir tees. (I gave away a couple of dozen tees years ago.) I have 24 pairs of slacks--not counting the ones that are part of pants suits. I have more than 20 coats, jackets and sweaters not including the pullover sweaters packed away for the summer. There are a number of sweatshirts--printed and plain--and 8 Christmas tops. I won't even mention the number of pairs of black shoes I have. And I love them all.

Most of these were bought "on sale". Like many hoarders I just can't pass up a good bargain.

I don't, however, have a problem getting rid of most stuff I no longer need. The last time I lost weight I gave away all my "fat clothes"--hoping that would deter me from putting the pounds back on. (It hasn't.)

I regularly make donations of "stuff" to Goodwill, Greensboro Urban Ministry and yard sales for the benefit of various non-profit groups. Kim, Ash, Will and I cleaned out our attics and other storage areas and had a bodacious yard sale for our own benefit.

But there's still a stash of "good stuff" in my attic and closets. My Christmas Closet is full of gift wrap and bows--some of which I had before moving into this house 15 year ago. Innisbrook's warehouse sales have done me in on that score. They put out all the leftover fundraiser items that the kids don't sell from their catalogs--all at true bargain prices--to clean out their warehouse to make room for more stuff people don't need.

In that closet are also items I pick up "on sale" from time to time to give as gifts. Of course I forget I have them sometimes and buy something else for the same people. That's why my family and friends get so many little gifts at Christmas.

I also collect decks of "good" playing cards. Of course I don't throw away the old ones when they are no longer serviceable. I used to say I was saving them for the kids to play with. Now the kids are grown, and their kids almost are, and there are still more decks of cards on hand than they could ever use.

We sold a number of jigsaw puzzles at the yard sale, but there are still many more that I think I will someday put together. I'll probably be blind from old age before I get to them.

I have "umpteen" sets of dishes and china. I just have to have the "right" dishes and glassware that match when I'm entertaining. Then I also collect pottery of all shapes and sizes and decorative cat-themed items. I packed away most of my owl collection years ago, but I still have some on display upstairs. I got two new card tables but didn't get rid of 5 old ones. I just love to have enough table space for a crowd!

Having these things make me happy and I'm blessed to have enough space to keep them all in without looking like a hoarder lives here. I can even park my car in the garage with space to spare.

Now this essay will join the others I've "collected" on my blogspot.