Use the Good Stuff Now

What am I waiting for? The proverbial underworld to become decidedly low on the mercury stick? I must liberate what has not seen the light of day in years and set free my thinking of not using the “good stuff”.  I have wedding china, jewelry and clothing that has been stored safely away for years being saved for that “special occasion”.

Other than one or two holidays, per annum, in the last 16 years (which would equal a generous 32 times of usage, or approximately $49.68 cents each time a place setting has been engaged), the china that I agonized over – “don’t buy anything with a pattern… it will fight with the presentation of your culinary delights and probably win” – which may be a little less obvious now, (I hope) than with those “chef surprises” I created when I was a newlywed, but still hearty advice) – and decidedly put upon “the list” of desired items to be purchased by those in attendance at the betrothal, has been neatly stacked and collecting dust in the china cabinet.  I don’t have one good reason why I don’t take the extra steps (it must be at least 12) over to where this china (along with the crystal and other fancy smancy utensils for finer dining) is kept.  All I would have to do is bend down, pull it out, put it on the table and start making memories.  It isn’t like the plates would be used for a Frisbee contest; my husband and child are known to be quite civil at the table.

And about those small baubles of appreciation and affection of love given with romance and dreams of desire from my snookums, the ones I hold in such high esteem that they never seem to see the light of day.  This doesn’t even include the precious pieces of jewelry that my mother entrusted to me – they reside in the dark confines in a bank on main street (a lot of good they do me there).  Granted, one only has so many fingers, wrists, necks and ear lobes, but not enjoying these beautiful gifts of love and gratitude is nutso.  If we are lucky enough to have them, then what the heck – lets give ’em a little fresh air now and again to let them sparkle and shine.  I have a couple of friends who wear their ware… and I say, go for it girlfriends! Besides, why pass on something you haven’t fully enjoyed and if others think you are just flaunting – who cares? (besides, they are probably just jealous).

It is true; I probably own 37 black sweaters of assorted sundry design.  I forget what I already have, but being ever so consistent, I end up purchasing similar fare.  In this menagerie of woven-ness, there are probably 9 that I don’t wear because “they are too nice to wear”.  What is with that? Rational thinking at its finest? I would say… NOT! Nowhere is it written that I must sport old and decrepit rags to the market or PTA meeting to fit in with the crowd.  Lately, I have been pulling out those finer duds and realizing that I feel different when I put them on – aligning nicely with my mantra of “eat dessert first” – allowing yourself a little decadence now and again.  More to the point, if you don’t spoil yourself, who will? I have even gone the way of “ooh la la” lingerie and disposed of my utilitarian, and oh so practical whities.  I may be the only one who knows what is there, but if it keeps folks wondering why I have that funny little smile on my face it is totally worth the price of admission.

So, if you excuse me, I am going to go those extra steps and set the table to the hilt, while donning my baubles and wearing my unmentionables and the good black turtleneck.  I am not going to wait for that rainy day.  It may never come.  And besides, why wait until tomorrow when you can go for it, and get it, today?

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-