My husband would tell you that I have a hard time getting rid of certain things.
When it comes to things like clothes or household items, I have no problem donating them or whatever when it’s time to de-clutter.
It’s the little things…the things with sentimental value that I just can’t part with.
And so, I tell you a little story. ‘Cause you all know I like stories. 
About three years ago, when we were living in Indonesia, I had a pretty tough week. It was
busy, I was super-stressed, and I just needed a day of pampering…so a friend and I headed to one of the local malls for reflexology massages.
$5 for an hour of bliss…really. I can think of NO better way to spend Rp 50,000…the equivalent of about US $5.
After our glorious hour, we went to Starbucks (also at the mall) and I think squeezed in a little outlet shopping, too, before heading home.
I remember that morning so well because I felt human again after all the crazy that had encompassed my life the previous week.
I was about to plop down on the couch for a movie and/or nap when I decided I needed a piece of chocolate… and I broke into the heavily guarded, semi-secret, American c
andy stash we had in the kitchen.
I pulled out a Dove Promise.
And here’s the thing about those…you know how they always have a quote on the inside of the wrapper
? Whenever I eat one of those chocolates, I am careful to never tear the wrapper, just in case the quote is a keeper.
And this one was.
It said?
Get your feet massaged.
Really?!?!
What are the odds
?
I know it’s nothing earth-shattering…but it m ade me smile, it w
as ironic, and it reminded me of a happy time.
And so I put it in my wallet on that day a few years ago.
I’ve switched wallets a few times…and that quote has survived all the switches.
It’s a tiny piece of foil…but to me, it represents so much.
Laughter with a friend. Memories I’ll always cherish. A day that was a good one. A place that will always be in my heart.
So if you ever catch me staring at something in my wallet and smiling, now you know.
Those sentimental things are worth keeping.
Oh, Mel, I’m just the same as you are! I’m so sentimental with some of the (what some people would call) ridiculous things. Glad to know I’m not the only one out there. I’ve kept a small plastic frog for sentimental reasons and people just don’t get it.
Ooooh…a plastic frog? This might be a fun story to share.
By the way, have you thought of getting a blog? I think you should. 
And we totally want to Skype with you guys over break. We were even thinking it would be fun to try to get Ibu Sari over to your house one morning so we can talk to her, too.
I’ll have Tobin figure out those details.
A blog wouldn’t be a bad idea
I’ll maybe start one up over the break. It would be good to be able to write. 
And Skype sounds wonderful. Tobin should tal to my parents about a date and I’ll do what i can to be free that day! we’re going to ocean queen Jan 2.