Archive for September 2017
Today feels a little bit like cheating. I am getting rid of a lot of the same thing. I debated counting them as a group. But since I bought them and used them all separately from each other, I think it is fair. Even if it isn’t, it is not going to buy me an extra day, so it’s not a big deal.
The big black thing on the left is an organizer. I got it back when I was going to court over my daughter. I needed to make sure I had a place to keep all of my documents. A lot of them are out of date, and I consolidated what is left into a different folder. This thing is old and beat up, so I don’t feel bad tossing it out.
The five items on the bottom are notepads. The kind that you see detectives, or waitresses, use. I like to jot down notes and ideas whenever they strike me, and so I always tried to have one of these on me. But I always ended up using my phone, and now I have one in my wallet as well. I don’t know why I kept buying these, but I’m OK with them going away.
The purple notebook above them is a similar story. However, I actually love this size of notebook. They are big enough to write comfortably, but small enough to be carried around without much inconvenience. The only reason I am getting rid of it is because I use my laptop, phone, and wallet, and don’t need it. But in the future if I need to buy a notebook, I will look for this type.
The pink book is my old guitar class textbook. It was only $15, and is actually very informative. I kept it around as a reference book, but the internet makes it much less necessary. Hopefully someone else can get some use out of it.
The book next to it on the right is Neil Degrasse Tyson’s Death by Black Hole. It is a collection of his various essays he has written over the years. I like it, and read it quite a few times. But I recently got his lecture series from the Great Courses on Audible, and he covers the same essays. I listen t audio-books more, so I don’t really need this anymore.
The item under it is V for Vendetta. It is a classic graphic novel, and an example of how the medium of comics can be used to tell deep, interesting stories. I’m going to speak some blasphemy here, but I liked the movie more. It cut down on some of the extra threads, which made it easier to digest, and still hits many of the over arching themes. It’s not bad, but I find as I get older I enjoy comics less and less. My brother still is an avid collector though, so he can have this. Even though he was the one to originally buy it for me.
This last one kind of hurts. It is Alexander Hamilton’s Guide to Life. The reason it hurts is because my sister bought it for me for my birthday this year. I haven’t had it for very long, although I have read it all the way through. It was good choice of gift; I loved the musical and the biography. But it is because I loved the musical and biography that I don’t need it. I know 8th level Hamilton spells, and this is a book of only cantrips. My mom is excited to gain a level in Hamilton though, so I gave it to her.
387 items to go.
– Shaman
It’s getting easier. There are a few things I am still debating getting rid of, but the majority of things don’t seem that important. I am running into a different problem though: I’m running out of stuff. I was always sure I would have to stop before 30 days. I just didn’t think it would come so soon. I’m going to keep moving along, but don’t be surprised if the last one of these posts comes up in the next few days.
Top left item is Microsoft Office 2010. I got it when I first went to college. I tend to install it whenever I get a new computer, I only need the activation key to make it work, so I don’t really need the disk.
The shirt next to it is from my first year at my job. They thought it’d be fun to get each department t-shirts. I never wear it, but I had it for the memories. But since I still work there, I don’t really need to remember it. If I quit I’ll keep a smaller memento.
The two ties are two ties. I think I got them from a thrift store. When I worked at a credit union I had to wear business clothing, and had way too many ties. I’m keeping 5 or so, but the rest can go.
The silver shorts are a pair of workout shorts that I have outgrown. I have 2 other pairs that are a little smaller. I only ever wear them to sleep in, so I don’t need so many pairs. If I join a gym again, maybe I would need more.
The Einstein t-shirt never really fit me. Both in size but also in style. Lately I feel people are venerating scientists too much like celebrities, and for shallow reasons. Einstein was a genius, but that doesn’t mean he should be a pop icon. Also, it looks like I am squeezing into a sausage case when I wear it.
The two pieces of clothing flanking Einstein are pajama pants. I usually wear them, but they are falling apart, with holes and tears all over. I don’t wear them often, especially in the summer, so I think it is time for them to go.
The balls on top of the green pajamas are some of those Tai Chi meditation balls. I am pretty sure I got them in high school from the mall. I used to use them a lot back then, but I lost them. I only found these as I was cleaning my room. I haven’t missed them, so no big loss.
The wooden box with dominoes on it is a wooden box with dominoes in it. This was anther thing I save when my friend moved. I kept it around because my daughter liked playing with them. She’s got other toys, and I don’t need them.
The shoes were a pair I was keeping around for when I need to do dirty work. I don’t do things like painting and yard work very often, and these mostly take up space. If I need cheap shoes in the future, I’ll buy them. Or just use my current shoes when they get old.
399 items to go.
– Shaman
Today I had some help going through my things. My friend came over, and the company helped me sort a lot of the stuff in my closet, and pull out a lot of the stuff I don’t care about. Should make the rest of the challenge easier. She also took a majority of the below off of my hands.
The book on the top left it a fancy, hardbound copy of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and Anansi Boys. American Gods is probably my favorite book, and I love Anansi Boys as well. I love them so much, in fact, that I have multiple copies of both already. But for Christmas my family got this copy for me. I really appreciate it, but I wouldn’t use it since I have all of my other, smaller, pocket book versions of them. My friend hasn’t read either though, so I gave them to her.
The pack of cards features famous authors from history and the books they’ve written. You can use them to play normal cards, and there is a game you can play with the authors. I haven’t really used them to try either, and only bought them because I used to like collecting interesting playing cards. My friend should get some use out of them.
The item next to it is the Lock-Proof Pen from Scam Stuff. It is a pen with a tactical self defense cap, a glass breaker, and a set of lock-picks stored inside. If I had a car it might be a useful thing to throw in a glove box in case of an emergency. But I have multiple lock pick sets, so I don’t need it. My friend will throw it in her glove box.
The other black object, next to the book on the bottom right, is a flashlight that came with the lock-proof pen. Nothing special about it, just a flashlight. It will sit in my friend’s glove box as well.
The book is a collection of poems by Rumi. My friend was moving, and gave it to me. I never really got into it, but that may be because I was just skimming random pages. I’m probably too cynical to enjoy all of the upbeat and loving poetry. But my friend seemed to like it.
The two clothing items under the stuff on the right are thermal underwear. I live in Utah and take the bus, so staying warm in the winter is important. My mom bought me the camo ones years ago, and the others are my own. I’ve outgrown them now, so I’ll donate them.
The metal object on top of the book on the right is Scam Stuff’s All-Access Card. It’s a credit card sized multi-tool you keep in your wallet. It is cool, but I got this second one as a extra gift when I order something else from Scam Stuff. My mom thought it was cool, so it is hers now.
The book under that is a comic my brother got me years ago, Harvey Pekar’s Cleveland. It wasn’t a bad read, but I only ready it once or twice. My brother even admitted he was making a blind guess of what gift to give me. I’ll see if he wants it.
The last item is a black binder. Inside is a bunch of one shot adventures for the Dresden Files Role-playing Game. It is fun game, and I used them a lot. But the issue with one shot adventures is once you play them, you can’t really play them again with the same group. My friend has wanted to get into running games, so she should make use of it.
Only 410 items to go.
– Shaman
Today was an easier day, as I took the time to go through my wardrobe. I’ve enough weight and have kept it off long enough to hit that awkward phase where I’m afraid to buy new clothes, in case I lose more weight. Its a good problem to have.
There isn’t much to say about the 4 pairs of pants. I got them from Walmart, or Kmart, or some sort of S-Mart. They are in various states of disrepair, and I had them lying around in case I some how went through all of my other, fitting clothes. They are size 42, and I am now a loose size 38. I can donate these, and someone will get a use out of them.
The red shirt on the left is just a red shirt. I don’t remember where I got it, or how long I’ve had it. I think I was keeping it as a spare T-Shirt, but I have way too many shirts already.
The shirt on the bottom right is a gag shirt I bought 8 or so years ago. I think it is funny. Who doesn’t want to know the proper way to pick up chicks? But I don’t really wear it anymore, since I work full time in a more professional environment. Plus, it’s a little big for me now.
I got the patterned shorts for my trip to Hawaii, and they served me well. But they fall off whenever I walk more than 5 steps, even with a belt. I like the style, but I’ll need to get another size.
The item in the middle, on top of the jeans, is a set of suspenders. My dad gave them to me back in high school. I believe it was to wear them to the prom. I don’t think they fit me back them, and although they fit now, I cannot think of a time I would ever wear suspenders.
The last item is a tie. I believe it came with my old high school suit. It’s an OK looking tie, but I never really need to wear a tie any more. I actually have more ties that I’ll probably get rid of, so this one gets the honor of being first.
Only 420 items to go.
– Shaman
I’m now running into a new problem: I am going to have to start getting rid of gifts. Since I am posting this for everyone to see, it can be a little harsh. Its not that I don’t appreciate a nice gift. But what is sadder: giving a gift to someone who will use it, or letting sit in a box, collecting dust? I know I’m not going to convince everyone of that, but that’s how I feel about it.
The bottom left item is a gag book someone gave me. It is a print version of The Brick Testament. It is funny, makes a good conversation piece. But I don’t ever really read it. If I want to I can go to the website. My brother took it off my hands.
The other 3 books are The Dresden Files graphic novels. I am a fan of the books, and they were enjoyable when I got them. But I don’t really read them that often. Plus, with the exception of the red one, the writing is a little weak. But my brother loves the artist, so he took them as well.
The chrome thing is a mask I bought from a Halloween store. I don’t honestly know why. I think I was planning a costume for a party or something like that. It is cool looking, but I can always buy or make another one if I ever think of a use for it.
The ominous pack of cards comes from a Chris Angel magic kit. My mom bought it for me when I was younger, and I used a good amount of it. But, like every beginner magic kit, a lot of the gimmicks don’t look very convincing, or don’t work well. The trick you can do with the cards is actually usable, except for the fact that the cards are obviously not normal. I’ll donate them, and maybe someone else will find them useful.
The little red bag thing is a set of Bluetooth headphones. I wear headphones all of the time, and these were incredibly useful. The only reason I stopped using them is because I got new better pair when I bought my new phone. So I gave them to my other brother.
Finally we have the first of the gift I am getting rid of. This is The Hamilton Mixtape. My mom got it for me last Christmas. I love Hamilton, and got a little obsessed with it for months. The mixtape is OK, but part of what I like about Hamilton is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s writing talent. I’m not a fan of the covers, and some of the remixes are OK. But I also could get it digitally if I want it. My mom loves Hamilton, so I’ll give it to her.
Only 429 items to go.
– Shaman
I’ve had to start getting rid of my books. This is going to be difficult, because a few months ago I had already gone through my book collection and got rid of a bunch of things I didn’t want. So far, it’s only one, but the next few days are going to be a lot of photos of books, and probably some clothes.
The top left item is my Ziggy Stardust CD. I love this album, and I bought it years ago. The only reason I am getting rid of it is because I have it ripped to my computer. I also purchased it on Google Play. It is a little redundant. I doubt I’m going to have issues finding David Bowie music in the future, so I should be able to donate the CD.
The black thing on the bottom is a glasses case. Not much of a story here; I got a pair of glasses and it came with a case. I’ve now gotten new glasses, and although I haven’t gotten rid of the old glasses, I don’t need the extra case. It was broken anyways, so I won’t miss it.
The black item to the left of the glasses case is a metal notepad. It comes with a pen, and it’s supposed to protect the notes from the elements. I always meant to carry it around, but I would forget to take it with me. I also end up just taking notes on my phone. On top of that, my new wallet comes with a notepad, so I just use that when I need to write something down I use that. My friend was the one who inspired me to buy one, so I’ll see if she wants it.
The shirt under the things on the left is an over-sized Hawaiian shirt. There was a band that would come play at my dad’s radio station, and I loved when they would come. It was the highlight of my month. One of the members gave me that shirt as a gift, and so I’ve kept it around. The shirt didn’t really fit me back then, and it definitely doesn’t fit me now. It doesn’t even button closed because he removed the buttons. I appreciate the thought, but I have the memories, and the recordings. I don’t need the shirt anymore.
The book on the bottom right is Cyanide and Happiness’s second physical book. I believe I got it as a gift, but I honestly can’t remember. It is funny, and has plenty of stuff that someone can’t get online. But I don’t think I’ll read it enough to make it worth keeping around. I’ll see if anyone I know wants it. If not, I’ll throw it in the donation pile.
The top two items are little notebooks/journals. I bought the read one from a bookstore that was going out of business for $.50 or so. It was a cheap impulse buy and I don’t think I’ll use it. The one on the right was my friends. He was heading off to the navy and was going to throw it out. I thought it looked cool, so I saved it. I really like the design, but I know I won’t use it. I’ve got my phone and my wallet notebook, so this would just sit in a box. But I have a friend who loves journals, and I think she’ll like it.
Only 437 items to go.
– Shaman
Getting rid of some bigger items today. Also, I don’t know if it was just me, but does every young guy buy tons of swords and knives? Because I had way too many of those. I think I’ve gotten rid of most of them now though.
The top item is the Nerf Mega Centurion. Nerf decided to big guns with big darts, and I bought it to check it out. It is pretty huge, and reminds me a sniper rifle from Mass Effect. If I were a cosplayer I might keep it and paint it up. But I’ll donate it, and some little kid can feel like a bad ass.
The shorter sword is a $60 cheap pirate’s cutlass. I got it from the mall because I was trying to learn to fence and thought it looked cool. I lied to my mom and said it was a gift from my friends so that she wouldn’t be mad. You know, because that’s what teenagers do. My brother reluctantly took it off of my hands.
It’s a pretty similar story for the sword below it. But it wasn’t the sword that I originally wanted. When I was trying to buy the one I actually wanted, the lady wouldn’t sell it to me. I still to this day have no idea why. I had my card out, and was basically begging for her to sell it. She finally told me to come back in a few days if I still wanted it. Instead, I went to the shop in the mall 2 doors down, bought the one above, and slowly walked back past her store to show that she lost an eager sale. I’d like to think she was trying to save me from wasting my money, but that lady was weird and her shop closed down a few months later. My brother took this one off my hands as well.
The knife on the left was a small knife necklace. The idea behind it is to always have a concealed weapon on your person. I totally didn’t buy it because I watched an episode of Deadliest Warrior, and one of the “experts” suggested it. If I were some rough and tumble knife fighter roaming the world right what has been put wrong, it’d be useful. But I’m not, therefore it isn’t. It got donated.
The last two things are both Fitbit Charge HRs. The band on this model kept peeling, and you cannot replace it when it does. They work fine, and it is just a cosmetic issue. I’m not sure why I kept them around though, as I got a smartwatch once the warranty wore out. I think I hoped I’d come up with something cool to do with them. But I have no idea what that would’ve been. Someone in my family probably wants a Fitbit. Otherwise, they can go to the trash.
444 items to go.
– Shaman
Shame on The Universe 