I have a problem...

The first step, I'm told, is recognising that you have a problem. I like containers, there I said it! I like containers and I like collecting things. Containers are useful and you shouldn't throw away things that are useful...

They're useful, ok? I'll use them!

But often useful containers look alike and then having a set of them means they'll tessellate well making the most of the space... and also they'll look cool!

Maybe I'll refill them with spice, it'll save us money!

Then of course some things have nostalgic value as well. I have fond memories of being allowed Golden Syrup drizzled on my rice crispies when visiting Nain and Taid. It's also the only food stuff that comes in paint tins. 

Come the apocalypse I'll have to choose between using these for target practice or storage

And then sometimes containers contain good things and keeping them is a way to keep a sort of journal of your other hobbies. Bottles with cork stoppers are cool.

Referring to Gin as a hobby is probably a bad sign.

These four photos catalogue everything I'm throwing out today*, inspired by the possibility of moving house and not wanting to carry empty containers! I am ashamed to admit that my collection extends far further than this, but I've made the first step on my path to recovery.





*except those 4 identical jam jars, they'll be useful!

Vinyl: Desert Island Discs

"...what really matters is what you like, not what you are like... Books, records, films - these things matter."

The ownership of a record player raises the obvious and important question - which albums do I want (or need) to own on vinyl? I like collecting things so this has dangerous cost implications and must be carefully controlled! I have a very large digital music collection which will remain as the body of the collection, in fact I don't imagine owning any thing on vinyl that I don't already have on some other medium.

So (and excuse the pretension here) but the record collection will be reserved for albums that warrant listening to in their entirety and not just hearing piecemeal. Albums which will benefit from the visceral experience and depth of sound (again excuse the pretension). Favourite albums which are the heart of the collection.

So what is (or would be) in your collection?

If I was a more measured man I might try to limit myself to a new album a month/quarter/year but I don't have that kind of discipline so I'll make no such promise. My (more in depth) thoughts on what I might buy will follow and after that I might even review some vinyl!