I'm a Lost Cause

Well, so far, since promising myself I'd keep a daily record of the foods I use from my pantry in order to clear the shelves a bit, I have learned at least one thing: I break promises, even to myself. I don't know what the heck happened. I have been cooking--not every night, mind you. There have been several restaurant meals mixed in with the home cooked ones. Still, I have been mindful of using ingredients and products I have on hand, trying hard to plan meals with those food items in mind. I have just failed to log in my progress. Now, with Christmas here and people in and out and time being in short supply, I need to take the pressure off myself and decide to give it a new go in the New Year. So, there! I've decided. No more writing (unless I really want to) until 2013. Aaahh. I feel so much better.

Abundance

I was recently jolted and humbled when I surveyed the obscene amount of food I have on hand, while many others often go hungry. Some of my stash went to a food bank, but they have rules about Best By dates and dented cans, so many things that I am perfectly comfortable eating can't be donated. I abhor waste, so I had to make a plan.


Here's my story: When I was on my quilt-making kick, I eventually amassed enough fabric to cover Montana in patchwork. I moved on to scrapbooking and my supplies now equal the inventory of a small scrapbook store. A friend introduced me to a tempting discount grocery and my garage has morphed into an impressive supermarket. I don't consider myself a hoarder because I do use the products and give some of my creations as gifts and sometimes even give away the raw materials. But, there is no getting around it, I am a collector....a hunter and gatherer.