Trash and Treasure

We are back to tag sale season. I can't help it--I find it irresistible to turn what someone else no longer needs into something we can use. It's not just about cheap stuff (though that's not a bad thing). It's about the adventure of finding and recycling. The trick, however, as I see it, is knowing what really is a treasure--and what is destined to become trash in our hands as well. A few thoughts...
 
1. If the child who says "ooh, cool, can I get it?" tries it on and wants to keep wearing it all day, you're probably on the right track. If you say "we should get this," and the child just smiles and nods, you're probably not.
 
2. If it's big, and you know EXACTLY where you're going to put it, you're probably on the right track. If you're thinking it's too great to pass up, and you'll find somewhere to put it, you're probably not.
 
3. If the craft kit or game is still in the plastic it was born with, you're probably okay. If not, you're probably not.
 
4. If the craft kit is something you'd like to make today, it's probably a good idea. If it's "for a rainy day," beware. You might end up with plenty of other things to do on the rainy days.
 
5. If the sellers are trying to throw in a bunch of extras, it may certainly sound exciting. Just remember--one person's trash can be another person's treasure. It can also be another person's clutter.
 
6. If you can't plug it in, beware. Except when it's a cheap, cool mini-appliance that allows you to make tiny cupcakes for a year.
 
7. Books are still readable after years on someone else's shelf. Computer games and videos are often another story.
 
8. Have a budget, but make exceptions if you can still follow all--or at least most--of the above rules.
 
9. Remember that whether something fits in your car should not be the determining factor. Unless you're planning to have it live in your car.
 
10. Enjoy the treasures without getting lost in the trash. Tag sales can be a mixed bag of great things unused and not-so-great things over-used. Know the difference, and stick to the great things (which is a pretty good motto for life, don't you think?).