Service of I Thought I’d Need It
January 20th, 2022
Categories: Best Intentions, Makeup, Pandemic
I have boxes of plastic gloves I no longer use but did early in the pandemic and just before I heard they were no longer effective I bought another box of 50 paper face masks to supplement a half empty box.
I found a package of 20 N95 masks at a local hardware store and paid full price, a hefty sum, that I wonder if I’ll use. They sure fit tight. Maybe I should take up construction as they are made to keep fine dust from sneaking into lungs. A few days after this purchase, my sister told me that the government will be giving out free N95s. I’ve given away a bunch of my stash meanwhile and plan to double up with paper or paper and fabric masks unless I’ll be in a jammed indoor event.
I’m prepared with two boxes of Covid tests I I bought. I’ve not lucked into any of the many handouts for these things that I’ve heard about. I’ve signed up for some free ones at https://special.usps.com/testkits.
When I used to cook I’d buy a bottle of herbs for this recipe and a container of spice for another–and never again use either. Same with eccentric liqueurs.
I was full of ambition when I bought a pasta press. Before one of my too many moves I realized that even though my husband made the best pasta sauces on the planet I’d never use it so I gave it away.
I’m fickle about other purchases too as I admitted recently in the post “Service of Best Intentions: Makeup and Exercise.”
Have you bought items to combat Covid that soon became obsolete? In a moment of weakness have you talked yourself into a piece of equipment or gadget or makeup you rarely if ever use?
Linda on Facebook: Thankfully I’m not much of an impulse buyer or succumb to fads. But that said, I’m sure over a lifetime it’s happened once or twice but nothing recent or memorable.
Linda,
When I see columns and articles that address trends such as “everyone is serving one course meals” I tend to go for several courses and vice versa. Not sure I follow trends as much as I’m driven by anxiety of not having something I might need. The plastic gloves were hard to come by at one point so if I found some at a great price I’d buy a box. I used them longer than most. I should still use them when I move plants to larger or different pots as earth- under-fingernails isn’t a good look for a Manhattan citizen. I forget they are squirreled away! I bought the tests when there was a shortage and thought it prudent to own a few. Same with the N95s.
Linda on Facebook: The items you mention, to me at least, don’t constitute as frivolous or trendy. More like common sense given world status of late. Plus gloves good for other things. I used some last night forming meatloaf; good for housework; etc.
Linda,
Excellent idea! I removed rings to make Christmas cookies when I could have used the thin gloves. I should use them to wash dishes but I don’t.
I discovered a box of latex gloves and a box of surgical face masks on a shelf in my late husband’s side of the closet that I had purchased during his illness, years before the pandemic and subsequent lockdown started. I had forgotten about them and did not have to worry about buying them when everyone else was looking to stock up.
I was not so fortunate with the packets of powdered saffron in the spice cabinet. After several years of storage, they had absolutely no flavor left, and sadly, I had to toss them.
ASK,
I kept grinding pepper on food and apart from the specs of black you’d never have known. Then I remembered how long I’d had this enormous pepper mill: Years. No wonder!
I have essentially done all of the things listed above, I have 2 home COVID tests. When I opened one I found only instructions in Spanish. I don’t understand the confusion, won’t rely on it. I bought excess paper masks before ordering KN95s
I have cleaners that have turned out to be ungrounded inadequate or useless. I think I have an outstanding collection of obsolete spices. And there is the raging pink blush I bought along with eye makeup that I bought pre-packaged desperately in a pharmacy with no tester of course and little light.
I did stock up on supplies that I’m slowly getting an inventory control. There was some stuff I’ll l never use and gave away.
I wanted to pass along my daughter’s Wii game set. The must have, that’s now collecting dusk. I asked her to reset/delete info on the game. She started playing with it and her friends like it too. Second life in the same home!
Martha,
I forgot all the disinfectant wipes I hardly if ever use. Ajax or a version of Clorox spray and paper towel are what I use regularly as before.
I should empty the kitchen cabinet of old spices as many must have lost their spunk by now and I could use the space!
Eileen,
I love the idea of a second life for a once treasured game.