In 2006/2007 I spent a lot of time on ebay selling "things". I did pretty good getting rid of Broadway Playbills, CDs,
books, VHS tapes and I even sold a box of junk which consisted of extra
can openers and other kitchen items I had duplicates of or didn't use.
I went through closets and drawers throwing out things or giving them
to second hand stores. Since then I have generally just bought things
to replace something I had that didn't work anymore or getting a better
dealthan I had.

In
September, after Circuit City went out of business, there was an outlet
sale and I was able to buy a 20" monitor for $40 and replaced the 15"
one I had.

Just last week, before the cold was called for, I wanted a new bathrobe and went to TJMAXX and bought one not knowing how handy that heavy, fluffy bathrobe would be used for a week to keep me warm.

One
of the problems I had for a long time after my aorta valve replacement
operation was being able to fall asleep lying down in bed so I went out
and bought a recliner to replace the one I had. I really haven't used
it that much.

One
thing I wanted/needed was a large wall clock for my living room wall
and the one I bought has really been what I wanted/needed.

I
was lucky to get some very nice presents in 2009 two of which are hand
painted Batik paintings done on silk. I have been looking for the right
frames because once I find them I will hang the paintings on a wall by
themselves so they will be the center of the room.

I, also, received as a present, a mascot I called Toodles who has a place of honor in my apartment.

Another
thoughtful gift I got was a week after it was issued I received a copy
of the "Every Little Step" DVD. I have lost count of how many times I
have watched it since it arrived. I have, also, received a few books,
which I always appreciate, and after reading them will pass them on to
friends.

My
place is very uncluttered as I no longer collect things and except for
replacing items I just have the basics that you need day to day. I no
longer have  settings for 8-12 people, glass place mats and napkin
rings or clear handled cutlery and I have kept only 2 coffee mugs, 3-4
glasses, two dinner plates, a platter with only still being over
supplied with pots and pans but I am starting to cut down on those.

I
do appreciate gifts that I get from friends but I no longer buy gifts
for myself, only necessities. Well, that's not completely true as I
have gotten into a new habit/collection and that is buying plants for
one window sill in the living room and the walkway outside. I am not
sure yet if the ones outside have been affected by the cold this past
week but at this point I will only buy new plants to replace old ones
that die and/or have to be thrown out.

I must say getting rid of 'things' has brought a sense of freedom!