Do These Three Things Now

It’s the middle of November. The holidays are just far enough away to ignore. The vote, vote, vote oorah is behind us. This is the lull, the malaise of quiet before the storm.

So, wake up, you sleepy head! Here are three things you should do now!

First, go to your kitchen. Open up some shopping bags, or plastic garbage bags if you don’t have the brown paper ones. Start through the canned goods and check the expiration dates. If it doesn’t say “2025”, pitch it. Then go to the boxes, the pancake mix, the oatmeal, etc. Next, go to the fridge. Look through the freezer first. If you still have stuff from last Thanksgiving, get rid of it. Now consider all those have-consumed jars of jelly, peanut butter, juices, and salad dressings. Look at each item and ask yourself, “Am I really going to eat this?” I just did this. I had stuff dated 2021. I had a half-empty bottle of Tejava that’s been in the fridge for a year. I filled six bags, put them in the trash barrel, took it to the curb, and the next morning I thought I still had too much. We are a nation of excess. Cut it back and you will feel better.

Second thing to do is take your purse or wallet to a copy machine and make copies of all your ID’s, Insurance cards, membership cards, and credit cards. Don’t forget to turn them over and copy the backs. Now, put those copies in an envelope and the envelope in a safe place. You won’t believe the sense of security this brings.

Third – It is indeed to start planning the holidays, especially if you are traveling. Make reservations now, while you still can. Make your card list, your menus, and your guest lists. Get out the decorations and buy more lights while you still can. Selection plummets after Thanksgiving.

Take advantage of the ho-hum days. These actions will pay dividends all year.

– Joseph