Stuff

Due to pending legal issues; most notably a divorce and sleazy antics by others, it's been a while since I have posted any thoughts on life and things in general. There is a lot that could be said and at some point it will be but for the here and now, this is all there is.

I am living in a camper in a campground now. It is no more than 200 square feet and the lot isn't much bigger than that. Compare that with leaving over 2500 square feet with 2 acres and you see the contrast. Is it tight? You betcha! But really, how much space do we really need? There is a refrigerator that is well stocked. There is a pantry that is full of the things that I like. Although the kitchen is small, there is a stove, counter top and sink. All the pots and pans one could need. A comfortable bed along with a TV that never is turned on. Outside I have tomatoes and peppers growing in containers. An herb garden and some beautiful plants in hanging baskets and containers. My little piece of heaven. Everything I need is in here. And then some.

So, not too long ago while looking around at my home, I see the excess that we all suffer from. I have things in here that are never used nor will they be anytime soon if ever! It's not that there is that much but it's come to my attention that we consume too much! Seriously, why do we feel compelled to buy more stuff that we never use, to occupy space we really don't need, to store more stuff we forget we have to begin with?

Working in retail has given new insights to this also. We teach our children that we need to buy stuff. Regardless of what this is, Ipods, earrings, clothing or the newest and smartest TV or phone. And then the extra stuff that makes these things work! I see people come in the store and spend no less than 45 minutes picking out a cover for their "smart phone" or Ipod! Then in 6 months when the latest version comes out, there is a mad dash to bling this on up! Tell me please, how is it this newest phone or tablet is going to make your life better? And why in the name all that is sacred; would you spend $50 on a case for it! If it's that delicate, I don't want it! The same holds true for almost anything, from cars to clothes. We spend so much time and resources on things that will no longer be new the second you take it home, we loose sight of all that should be important to us.

This is a new mind set for me I admit. Living like I am tends to make one aware of what truly is important and what is a want versus a need.

I need shelter. I have that. I'm not under a bridge or in a refrigerator box behind the train station. It's warm, dry and comfortable. A need met.

I need food. That is here too. I eat well. I love to cook and have the necessary tools for doing so. I also use coupons and buy the specials. Hey, if they are going to drop money on the floor, I feel the urge to pick it up.

I need clothing. This helps to not only protect us from the elements, but tends to keep the police from asking you to please blow into this tube! I don't really care about fashion but if you do, then by all means keep doing it! There are enough ugly people out there as it is and poorly dressed ugly people will ruin your vision!

I need transportation. I have that. I change the oil when needed and wash it occasionally. It's a truck, not and idle or some god needing to be praised and worshipped. Point A to point B. I also have the means to fuel this truck do get to said point A and B.

Clean water. Have that in spades. Good for bathing and drinking. I do both.

The one thing that I missed while in Haiti a few back was a flush toilet. Of everything that I could have wished was there, that was it. I have that too.

I really do have it all when you think about it, because I have my friends. You can take away everything that I have left and my true friends will still be there. I can get more stuff. Newer and bigger stuff. Faster and shiny er stuff. After all, it's just stuff.

My friends are forever!!!!