I noticed something today. My priorities, desires, and value of possessions have changed greatly.
OK, so it’s probably not a surprise. And it really isn’t to me, but something really made me notice it. And it may sound strange. It was two Beefeater Gin martini glasses. I threw them in the garbage today. So it may not sound like a big deal, but a couple of years ago it would have been. I went out to buy a bottle of Beefeater Gin back when living in Detroit, and the guy that owned the shop was pushing these bottle/glasses combos. It was the same price as a fifth, but you got two nice glasses. I thought they were so very cool. Of course, when you are single, and have a very well stocked bar, and have cool glasses like that, you yourself are cool. But they were taking up space. I have so many different beer pint glasses now. (Note to others: I DO NOT need any more pint glasses.) Besides, I never used the martini glasses.
Obviously after having a child, you start to rethink things. Even before Nigel was born, I started purging ourselves of needless items that were taking up space to make room for his crib, clothes, and other things that he would need. I did it without really thinking. There were things I threw out or donated to the Salvation Army that even just a year before that I didn’t want to part with. But how do those possessions stack up against your child? They don’t, and that’s the point.
I still have things that I would gladly get rid of, and probably will. A few however are worth some good money, and I would rather sell them. Though it will take some time to find the right buyer. Those being my game used NHL hockey jerseys and my past Formula One champion models (1/18 scale die-cast, if you were wondering). The funny thing is that I wanted to continue collecting those items. Now, they don’t mean that much to me anymore. Heck, with my schedule and different life, I don’t even watch the Formula One races anymore. I would rather spend the money on Nigel.
I know a lot of parents go through this. But those glasses just made me realize it more. So I decided to ramble on about it today.
July 22nd, 2006 at 6:20 pm
I’ve got an autographed photo of Brendan Shanahan on my wall. Not to mention my two Shanahan jerseys - red and white, of course. I’m not sure what to do with ‘em. I’m thinking of just keeping them as keepsakes to show future generations.
One of my senior photos in high school has me surrounded with all my Shanahan stuff too.
July 22nd, 2006 at 6:37 pm
I’m trying to remember what stuff I’ve given up (as opposed to say, sleep), and I can’t think of them. Maybe it’s because my “guy” stuff is already in the basement (my NFL glasses, e.g.) Hey, if more than half of the two dozen drinking glasses break, maybe I’ll pull them out…
July 22nd, 2006 at 10:58 pm
Being a new father myself, I hear what you’re saying. I would be careful, though. Before you throw something out, look at it and say: “Might I look upon this with fondness 30 years from now, when I’m 65?”
Granted, the martini glasses could probably go. But, the car models might be nice to have. 2036 is going to be VERY different than the life we have lived so far, we can’t even imagine how much. It might be nice to have some things from this ancient time.
I once knew a man who burned all of his Beatles records from the 60’s in a church bonfire becuase, well, it was the devil’s music (I think this occurred some time in the 70’s). Needless to say, he always said to me “Why in the $%^# did I do that?” Classic case of short-sightedness.
July 23rd, 2006 at 8:49 am
Sarah, you should keep the jerseys. My Mom had a habit of getting a Wings jersey with her favorite players’ name and number, and soon after he would be shipped out of town. She would just “retire” the jersey and get another one. One of the jerseys she had retired she later got signed by the player. That being Dino Ciccarelli.
Roger, sounds like you are planning a little glass conspiracy there.
Hey Chip, thanks for stopping by. I hope you and Nancy are enjoying parenthood. It gets better every day. Thanks for the advice. And by the way, GO TIGERS!!
July 24th, 2006 at 7:09 am
I have to agree with you. As we pack for Georgia, I keep coming across boxes of “things” that I was collecting, that are doing nothing but collecting dust. As for finding the right buyer for your stuff is give Craigslist a try. I sold a lawn mower on there and Jodi’s mom bought a treadmill. It is a great site. See you in a few days.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Barware, Music and Racing Stuff are the things that have survived the years for me. The music and the glassware collection still seem to be growing, but the NASCAR collectables would be the first to go. Let me know before you throw away more glassware, or if you kwow of anybody looking for any “Petty” stuff.