Monday, July 2, 2018

SECRET OBSESSION


Sometimes we think we are obsession free and then the truth comes out. I don't have any food obsessions, I don't collect art, shoes, statues or handbags. My music taste is eclectic as are my entertainment choices.  Well I do have this thing about baseball and the Marlins but I don't collect their memorabilia or attire. I just like to watch their games. If I miss some, that is OK.

It wasn't until my friend Elaine visited that I realize I do have a serious obsession. She and I are very alike in that if we are ever in need of something one time, we will never have that lack again. Case in point, she is the only one I know who also carries an eyeglass repair kit in her purse. We are always prepared.

My house is fairly dark thanks to the wrap around porch that doesn't let the sun in directly. So when she needed to see something on Callie that could have been a tick, I reached out and handed her a small flashlight. I didn't have to move, I just reached.

That was when I realized that no matter where I was in the house, there was a flashlight within easy reach. She laughed and said she collected them also. So I counted.  I have 7 of those small dollar plastic ones that you get out of a barrel at Walmart.  Love those.

I have 2 large 3 cell cop type flashlights for serious night time looking, two 2 cell ones and three smaller magnetic ones. I had 2 pen lights so I gave her one and put the other in my purse.

As I counted it seemed Elaine was almost matching me light for light. When I showed her my emergency flashing stick lights (2) a with whistle on the end she laughed. Yep she one also but she was unaware of the whistle feature. Hey, that is so they can find you under the rubble.

I have a head band light, three book lights, and one odd one the size of a match book that I haven't figured out yet. Think that is about 21 in a tiny house. I may have missed one or two.  Now if you want to count battery lanterns for power outages, the number increases by 4 plus 2 that are plugged into sockets constantly charging and go on automatically when the power goes off. Yikes--I am diseased.

You don't want to know about all my battery operated candles for power outages. I kid that when I turn them all on--- the pillars, the tapers and tea lights--- my place looks like a Catholic church. I obviously have an obsession for lights. Oops, almost forgot the three electric Himalayan salt candles that burn 24/7.  Ok, now I am scaring me.

Maybe I can blame all those long power outages I went through in Florida after the many hurricanes for my need for light. Possible, but I'm not sure that would account for this degree of obsession. Until I counted, I just didn't realize how far I have gone around the bend. Guess it isn't a secret anymore. Wonder if there is a 12 step program for this?

Do you have an obsession that sneaked up on you and now startles even you?

54 comments :

  1. Wow now you are making me feel insecure about the 3 torches we have in the house, and that's it. Next time I'm in the States I'm heading to Walmart to hunt through the barrels for dollar flashlights!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joey,
      Ha ha, be careful, they are colorful, cute and addictive. Be strong.

      Delete
  2. You certainly are prepared, Patti! I own one flashlight -- oh, but dozens of beeswax candles which is a byproduct of my beekeeping obsession.

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    Replies
    1. Out to pasture,
      Think we might both be. At least yours do not require batteries.

      Delete
  3. I wouldn't call this an obsession, but I hate to run out of essentials, so there is always extras of things like note books and pens, cans of coffee in the porch cupboard, extra bags of sugar in the pantry, and stacks of toilet paper wherever they will fit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River,
      That is just being prepared. I do that also. Ya never know---

      Delete
  4. Ha! I've got quite a few flashlights and use the one on my cellphone all the time these days, since it's always with me. That makes my paltry collection much smaller than yours. Hubby keeps our storage closet filled with TP and paper towels. I would just run out if it weren't for him. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Djan,
      Ha ha, think I'd keep him on the payroll.
      Think if I had cell service here I might be able to use my phone and cut down on all the flashlights.

      Delete
  5. That is funny. When I was growing up my dad was constantly demanding we turn off the lights. He was happy if the only light was the glow of the television screen. Now I don't demand all the lights to be off but my only flashlight is the one on my phone.
    However, I do realize I have a dread fear of running out of pens or pencils. I can't give you a count because I have other things to do today, but there are odd mugs or other containers packed with pens and pencils in every room of my house. If I am somewhere where anyone asks if anyone has a pen, I can always pull one out of my bag. I am always ready with my own pen when a clerk hands me a credit card slip to sign at the store. I guess that does sound a bit obsessive?

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    Replies
    1. Olga,
      Ha, not to me. That just sounds prepared. Seems like I am always looking for pens. Maybe I need to catch what you have.

      Delete
  6. I keep a pair of scissors and ink pens in every room...hate to hunt for them when I need them.

    I also have a LOT of flashlights in the house---one in every room plus two camper Coleman's, book lights, one that clips on my clothing and one made to clip on to the dog's collar. For most, I keep the batteries in a plastic bag and the bag attached to the flashlights with rubber band. I also two dozen outdoor solar lights that can be brought inside during a power outage. Young people only use the ones on their phones and flashlight sales have fallen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jean R,
      Oops, I have that scissor thing also. Good to know you are covered if the lights go out.
      Think you are right about cell phones. They have replaced watches and flashlights. Good thing we are still around.

      Delete
  7. I run in phases. I get obsessed with something, but eventually, I burn out. Current 'passion' is place mats and cloth napkins to match. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Silver,
      Well at least you don't get bored with your "passions."

      Delete
  8. My obsession is not collecting anything. I must have my feet covered at all times. My mother rested a bit during the day. In the heat of summer she’s throw her apron over her feet. I apparently picked up on that, except I don’t have an apron.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      Hum? Cold feet or just a need to cover. I can see where an apron would be handy.

      Delete
  9. Interesting question about obsessions. Yes, now that you mention it, I have a few! I always rescue bugs that are in the house and put them outside. I make sure all the doors are locked before we go to bed, and then I check again! And even though my poor arthritic neck isn't really up for it, I run outside all the time to see if there are any stunning atmospheric optics to photograph. I had no idea how obsessive I really am! LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. robin,
      I am so glad you have the taking pictures of atmospheric optics obsession for you have shown me things I would have never seen myself. Thanks.

      Delete
  10. Dear Patti, I can't think of any off-hand. Wait a minute--I have an obsession about never running out of anything: So I always order 3 bags of cat kibble instead of 1 and 3 litter containers instead of 1 for the cats. For myself, I want my pantry to be stocked so I never run out of a food I'm craving. So six boxes of dry cereal instead of one; six boxes of Earl Gray tea bags instead of one. You get the picture! Peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dee,
      I do get the picture. In fact I have aversion of that. I buy two of something and when I finish with one, it immediately goes on my shopping list. Works doesn't it?

      Delete
  11. When I was working fulltime --I prided myself in that I could balance many tasks all at the same time. I kept LONG lists every single day ---and never allowed myself to leave work on a given day until I got through that dang list.... Talk about obsessive?

    Then I retired ---and said I'd make NO more lists... WELL---I have a 'reminder' program on my phone/computer/watch ----which reminds me of things I need to do --such as getting the clothes ready for laundry time OR taking my pills, etc. etc. etc. I may not make a written list much anymore (except when we are going on a trip) ---but I sure am a 'slave' to this darn reminder list (which really seems to be the same thing as my work lists were)... Oh Well----I definitely NEED those reminders though these days... ha ha

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    Replies
    1. Betsy,
      At least now you have more time to accomplish the lists--or I hope so. We all mean well when we retire but some habits are just hard to break.

      Delete
  12. This really made me laugh! My husband was a true "flashaholic"! He had so many flashlights! Like you, there was always one within easy reach. And he had varying functions for each of them. And of course every time the technology changed, of course he had to have it! His brother is the same way, so I kinda thought it had a genetic component to it :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole,
      I like the term "flashaholic"--seems to fit both of us. Does he still keep them handy? If I weren't planning on being cremated, pretty sure I would instruct that a flashlight--maybe two--be placed in my coffin.

      Delete
  13. Let there be light...!!

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    Replies
    1. Fran,
      And I am making sure there always will be:))

      Delete
  14. Blame it on the hurricanes! Makes sense to me. We only have 7 or 8 flashlights of various sizes. That's not too bad is it? I do remember when we cleaned out the house when my father died there was one full closet of toilet paper!

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  15. Bonnie,
    Only 7 or 8? More than a beginner but there is hope for you yet:))
    Bet it took you a while to use it all up.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This was a great post! Really made me smile. Thank you. My husband also has tons of flashlights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nawm,
      Welcome to TNS. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I have never met your husband but I all ready admire his intellect:))

      Delete
  17. I honestly don't think I have a single flashlight. Candles, yes, and several lighters. Guess I'd have a hard time finding them in an extended power outage.

    My adult children would tell you that my obsession is toilet paper and paper towels. They kid me that in the event of a war I could outfit the army. (it's really not that bad). I can't recall running out of either in the many years. But now that we're in the midst of a trade war, I guess the price will be going up. Nah, I'll keep buying it!

    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eileen,
      Ha ha, I'll bet they forget to razz you if there really is a shortage and your kids need to hit your supply.

      Delete
  18. I have collected quilts and made quilts for decades, but really didn't realize how many I had until the other day two of my friends visited and I "allowed" them to go upstairs and look at my piles of quilts. From their reaction, I realized I probably had an obsession about quilts when I had thought I just had a few. Maybe a hundred would be a better count!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snickelfritz,
      Ha ha, it is easy to think it is just a few till we actually count. That is when the surprise sets in.

      Delete
  19. Now that I think about it, I guess I am obsessed with photography - taking pictures wherever we go, which is often a garden or nursery, plants being another obsession. And then there's chocolate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda R,
      Yes but you always share your photos with us so it is a good obsession.

      Delete
  20. I have many scissors, retractable tape measures and hammers. I can’t resist buying more from time to time. It is an ongoing joke with my husband. I have no explanation. And I have 4 iPads and 2 Mac computers. I use them all. I’m pretty conservative about everything else.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pudge450
      I also have the scissor thing. I am surprised at how many of my readers are reminding me of other obsessions I have. Sigh.

      Delete
  21. Happened across your blog via River's. Love it! I thought I had no obsessions either and then realised I am never more than three feet away from a pair of reading glasses!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Around My Kitchen,
      Welcome to TNS and thanks for making the trip. Hey, we just like our lives to be easy and not complicated. I see no harm there.

      Delete
  22. One thing is for certain sweet Patti, you will never be in total darkness. :). I only have 2 flashlights and added to those I have 2 oil lamps and 5 battery operated candles. As for obsession I have collected dolls for many years but have not purchased any or have been gifted any for a few years. I have donated several of them and have lost interest in collecting them. I will keep all of my favorites and continue donating or gifting the others. I liked this post. Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Maggie,
      I had to laugh when I saw you collected dolls. I saw a bumper sticker once that cracked me up. It said "Pray for me, My wife collects dolls."

      Delete
    2. That is so funny. I tried not to go too far over the top with it. lol Shug never voiced his opinion so not sure how he felt about all the dolls.

      Delete
  23. No, you do not need a 12-step program. What you are doing is reasonable and safe. We did the same until we installed a big generator for power outages and flood lights to turn off if the dog needed to go outside in the dark. My husband still has an array of headlamps that he uses. At two of them at every entrance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carolyn,
      One of those generators is on my wish list.
      I was just delighted to see your comment. You have been missed so much. I feared for Lucy but now know it was you that was going through an ordeal. My prayers and hugs are with you.

      Delete
  24. oh, this is wonderful. We too have flashlights in every room. Of every size and type. In the truck, two, and in the car two more. LOL
    Books, I am addicted to reading, and every room here has bookcases of various sizes.

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    Replies
    1. Mage,
      Good to hear I am not alone. I collect books but they are all in my Kindle. I can carry all 400 of them with out breaking a sweat.

      Delete
  25. Patti - this put a smile on my face. I'm trying to think of an obsession I have but I'm having trouble. We're trying to downsize and become a bit more minimal, so I can't say I have a massive collection of anything. Oh - I just remembered, I do have a collection of bunnies scattered about (not real ones...). I used to be obsessed with finding new, cute ones, but I haven't bought one for years. Happy 4th - light those candles!

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    Replies
    1. Barb,
      I use to be that way with foxes till I realized I would never again get a present that wasn't fox related.
      I hope you are no where near any of the fires in Colorado. Do take care.

      Delete
  26. Reading glasses. Sunglasses and many flash lights. Seems all things vision related nowbut once it was beanie babies 11 years ago my pile was huge. They are all gone due tomsmoke and water damage im March 2008.

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    Replies
    1. Heidrun,
      Oh yes I remember the beanie baby craze. So sorry you lost them to smoke and water.

      Delete
  27. That's a lot of flash lights and other lights too. I probably have an obsession, but right now I can't think of what it might be.

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  28. I think your obsession with lights is cute and it made me smile; you sure have a lot of flashlights. I have a few and lots of candles and matches. I sometimes say I am a bookaholic, ha ha.

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  29. I guess I would have to recognize my house is overrun with books— bookcases full and no room for more bookcases. I really must part with some of these books. I have a flashlight of some sort within reach everywhere, too. I stopped carrying an eyeglass repair kit when I was able to just use inexpensive non-prescription glasses, but I make sure a pair of those are close by, too. I also have toothpicks within reach. I wonder when I started collecting all these things instead of having just one or two stuck safely away in a drawer, or on a shelf behind a closed door, out of sight? Now, they’re discreetly within reach.

    ReplyDelete