I am seriously considering starting a twelve step program for all those out there like me who need help. I no longer over indulge and I have stopped hiding a stash for “when I need it.” There are no visible signs of my malady and when others look at me they have no idea that I am what I am and that I struggle as I do. Nevertheless, it is true — I am an office supplies geek.
My earliest memories include pencils, pens, tack, paperclips, notepads and staplers. And, my recollection of my very first day of school at Alexander Elementary School in Commerce, Oklahoma is dominated my a Big Chief writing pad, oversized pencil, and my 64 count Crayola Crayons — the big box. I remember the first time that I realized that ruled paper could be purchased in some color other than white. I had a big crush on Trixi, but when I saw that Janet had paper that was green and pink and purple and yellow… it was just too much for my fickle heart. Janet’s paper was my new love.
If only I had been born a little later — electronic pencil sharpeners, calculators, and oh my, what I could have done with a label maker (in addition to labeling my pencil sharpeners, pencils, crayons, etc.). Be still my foolish heart.
You know … this is National Organization Month . . .
I had better start that twelve step program right away.
Once upon a time in the land of Kevin-is-not-too-bright, I forgot a wedding anniversary. Don’t do that…
Below is a chart to help you add a little special touch to your anniversary gift giving.
| Anniversary | Traditional | Modern |
| 1st | Paper | Clocks, Plastic, Gold Jewelry |
| 2nd | Cotton | China, Cotton, Calico, Garnet |
| 3rd | Leather | Crystal, Glass, Pearls |
| 4th | Fruit, Flowers | Appliances, Linen, Silk, Nylon, Blue Topaz |
| 5th | Wood | Silverware, Sapphire |
| 6th | Sugar, Iron | Wood, Candy, Amethyst |
| 7th | Wool, Copper | Brass, Desk Sets, Onyx |
| 8th | Bronze, Pottery | Appliances, Linens, Lace, Tourmaline Jewelry |
| 9th | Pottery, Willow | Leather, Lapis Jewelry |
| 10th | Tin, Aluminum | Diamond Jewelry |
| 11th | Steel | Fashion, Turquoise Jewelry |
| 12th | Silk, Linen | Pearls, Jade |
| 13th | Lace | Textiles, Furs, Citrine |
| 14th | Ivory | Gold Jewelry, Opal |
| 15th | Crystal | Glass, Watches, Ruby |
| 16th | Silver hollowware, Peridot | |
| 17th | Furniture, Watch | |
| 18th | Porcelain, Cat’s Eye Jewelry | |
| 19th | Bronze, Aquamarine | |
| 20th | China | Platinum, Emerald |
| 21st | Brass, Nickel | |
| 22nd | Copper | |
| 23rd | Silver plate | |
| 24th | Musical instruments | |
| 25th | Silver | Sterling silver |
| 26th | Original pictures | |
| 27th | Sculpture | |
| 28th | Orchids | |
| 29th | New furniture | |
| 30th | Pearl | Diamond |
| 31st | Time Pieces | |
| 32nd | Conveyances (e.g., automobiles) | |
| 33rd | Amethyst | |
| 34th | Opal | |
| 35th | Coral (Jade) | Jade |
| 36th | Bone china | |
| 37th | Alabaster | |
| 38th | Beryl, Tourmaline | |
| 39th | Lace | |
| 40th | Ruby | Ruby, Garnet |
| 41st | Land | |
| 42nd | Developed real estate | |
| 43rd | Travel | |
| 44th | Groceries | |
| 45th | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| 46th | Original poetry tribute | |
| 47th | Books | |
| 48th | Optical goods | |
| 49th | Luxuries, any kind | |
| 50th | Gold | Gold |
| 55th | Emerald | Emerald, Turquoise |
| 60th | Diamond | Gold, Diamond |
| 75th | Platinum | Diamondlike Stones, Gold |
