Monday, March 16, 2009

Why'd You Throw That Away?


There's a timely article in the March 16th Newsweek titled "The Frugal Family Guide." The author, Steve Tuttle, tells about the time he visited his parents' cabin and spotted a dead mouse in a rusty trap. Assuming he was doing his mom and dad a favor, he threw away the mouse...and the
dilapidated old trap.

WRONG! When his deed was disclosed, his parents just shook their heads and lamented they'd had that trap since they got married (about a half-century before.)

Tuttle goes on to say his parents are not cheap. They just don't throw out anything that's still getting the job done. Like that mouse trap (which obviously was still doing the trick!)

So, I'm looking at those things I automatically toss out without considering if they're really outdated or of no further purpose.

Most who know me would say I err on the side of caution and keep things waaaay past their prime. Like the last cell phone I turned in that was creeping toward antique status.

At the end of the day, WHY do we hold on to things too long or not long enough?

2 comments:

Regan Black said...

For me it's the comfort zone! If it's working and i like it I hesitate to mess with it. What if the new thing isn't as great as they say?

When I finally had to update my cell phone - I hated the new version - was so grateful to replace it with a more basic model.

Regan
http://www.regansrealm.blogspot.com

Diana Black said...

Oh, yeah, that good ole comfort zone. Nice to find balance when I can, up for change but down time with stuff I'm familiar with...like eating chocolate!

Thanks for stopping by, Regan...

Diana