Bring forth the babble!

[DisneyFreak5282]

I haven't sold at FYE in a while, but at least in the past, I was only ever given the option of an FYE gift card as payment. I forgot about FYE, though, and I could rebuy some of the scratched albums I have, and I want Kelly Clarkson's new CD and maybe her last one (she's one of the artists I'm sticking with), and I could buy some Elvis music I have and buy some of the Beatles music I only have copies of.

When I traded things in at FYE 3 days ago they asked me if I wanted to be paid in cash or store credit and that I would get 25% more if I chose store credit. Maybe that's a new thing since the last time you've been there? The two Kellly Clarkson albums (I assume you're talking about "My December" and "All I Ever Wanted"?) are definitely worth it. If you can find the Deluxe Edition of AIEW, go for it, the two bonus songs are really good. Or it might be cheaper if you just buy the regular one and download the 2 bonus songs from the DE on iTunes or something.

Even though it will cost extra in the end and will take a while to accumulate, but I really would like original copies again...it just makes me feel better! For something like my Britney Spears "Oops, I Did It Again" album, only one song is briefly affected, but I'd still like to have an unscratched original again...

If you have an album that's scratched and skips and the scratch isn't too deep or noticeable you can try trading it in. Although FYE might not always accept such scratched discs, they always clean off and resurface the discs before reselling them, or at least that's what it seems like to me.

What stinks is that for some albums (but not many, really), I downloaded so I can’t trade them in. Like Ashlee Simpson’s newest and Paramore- I just don’t listen to them often at all.

That's why I always buy physical copies of an album I want, because if I ever get tired of them I can make some money off of it

Does FYE sell slim jewel cases? I need some of those...

I would imagine they probably do, back by their blank CDs and DVDs, but they might be more expensive than somewhere else. I was actually in Marshall's the other night and I saw a big bundle of 50 slim jewel cases for $9.99 and I thought that was pretty reasonable.

That's actually really good advice, Ryan! But if it's Hanson, Corbin, Jonas Brothers, Backstreet Boys, or Mandy Moore, then there's no way I can wait that long, haha, but for the other artists who aren't in my top 5, then yeah, that's really good advice.

Haha, well usually you can get the albums relatively cheap the first week they are out. Target usually has first-week albums on sale for $9.98, right? So basically the cheapest way to get them would be either to get the album the first week it's out or wait a few weeks to a month and get it used.

It's hard, though, because if we go home to Massachusetts for Christmas, then I do send my parents a list to give to everyone, but here in Florida, I don't give a list to my aunt, uncles, or cousins...I mean, I'm grateful for whatever they give. I don't want to sound selfish and ungrateful for things I've previously received. Maybe the things they get are what they can afford and they got them on sale, I don't know. I'm pretty close with my cousin, though, so I could ask her opinion on the matter. Even asking for a Target gift card- they won't know that I won't be using it on towels and lamps and stuff!

Yeah, definitely ask for gift cards to places like Target and Wal Mart (if you're a Wal Mart shopper, I don't really frequent the Wal Mart up here because it smells and really strange and sketchy people hang out there).

Thank you!!! :pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink:
:pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink:
:pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink:
:pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink:
:pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink::pink:

Those are for your hard work! I do appreciate it!

Awwe, yay!

That's been free for years! I never signed up for it when it cost money, but for the past few years, it's been free. I would check with your local Best Buy...maybe it's not in all areas?

I know, but I feel like it's kind of a hassle because there's hardly any "rewards", just the occasional $5 off coupon and a few 10% off coupons. $5 and 10% aren't rewards in my book![/i]

[blackcauldron85]

After I respond to the following quotes, I'll tell my adventure story!

When I traded things in at FYE 3 days ago they asked me if I wanted to be paid in cash or store credit and that I would get 25% more if I chose store credit. Maybe that's a new thing since the last time you've been there? The two Kellly Clarkson albums (I assume you're talking about "My December" and "All I Ever Wanted"?) are definitely worth it.

Yeah, yesterday they asked. It must be new- I hadn't sold there in a long time. I chose store credit. And, yep, those are the 2 albums! They were too expensive yesterday for me.

If you have an album that's scratched and skips and the scratch isn't too deep or noticeable you can try trading it in. Although FYE might not always accept such scratched discs, they always clean off and resurface the discs before reselling them, or at least that's what it seems like to me.

No, the ones that aren't badly scratched I still use, but the ones that are unplayable, or are partly unplayable, are the ones I need to replace. For most of them, I've been just playing my CD-R copy, but I'd still like to accumulate them. I don't have too many left, since I replaced some yesterday.

That's why I always buy physical copies of an album I want, because if I ever get tired of them I can make some money off of it:)

That's why you're smart. I do prefer having the physical copy, and all my favorite albums I have the physical copy of (I guess that's another reason why I want to rebuy my scratched CDs that don't play that I've been using the CD-R copies of).

I would imagine they probably do, back by their blank CDs and DVDs, but they might be more expensive than somewhere else. I was actually in Marshall's the other night and I saw a big bundle of 50 slim jewel cases for $9.99 and I thought that was pretty reasonable.

Heck yes that's reasonable- too bad I didn't read this before I went shopping...!

Haha, well usually you can get the albums relatively cheap the first week they are out. Target usually has first-week albums on sale for $9.98, right? So basically the cheapest way to get them would be either to get the album the first week it's out or wait a few weeks to a month and get it used.

Yeah, if it's an album I really want, I tend to buy it in the first week (like, if it's by one of my non-top-5 favorites), apparently not if it's Kelly Clarkson, though, haha, but I really do like her- I'm just behind! And now I'm not going to just randomly buy albums.

What I decided was to stick with certain albums. I kept some albums by artists who I have sold or am selling others of, but some albums that I do quite enjoy even if I don't listen to their other music much I did keep.

Yeah, definitely ask for gift cards to places like Target and Wal Mart (if you're a Wal Mart shopper, I don't really frequent the Wal Mart up here because it smells and really strange and sketchy people hang out there).

I find Walmart's CDs and DVDs to be a little more expensive than other places, ironically, but I do enjoy Walmart for everything else. I was thinking in the car yesterday- I could tell people that even if it's a $5 gift card (because if people get you non-gift card things you didn't ask for, it could be because a) they think you'll like it, and b) they got it really cheap, at least it'll be $5 well-spent. But I also don't want to hurt anyone's feelings about prior gifts. I don't have a green thumb, though, so the flower bulb kit from my aunt & uncle just wasn't a practical gift, but they didn't know that. I'm an honest person- I can tell them. And I was thinking that we should whip out the lazy susan on Thanksgiving. Sounds good.

I know, but I feel like it's kind of a hassle because there's hardly any "rewards", just the occasional $5 off coupon and a few 10% off coupons. $5 and 10% aren't rewards in my book!

I don't even carry my card with me- I just give them my phone number. It is painless. If you shop at Best Buy, there's no reason not to participate- it's free! I don't get many of the coupons, especially now that I shop for new CDs and DVDs mostly at Target, but it isn't painless. And with all the jewel cases I bought yesterday, I will be getting a $5 coupon soon, I think.

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Okay, storytime. I had decided that I have some albums that I just barely listen to. Sure, I like some of them, but I hardly listen to them. So for the decent-looking ones (scratch-wise), I scrounged around as many jewel cases as I could (since I was keeping my CDs in CD wallets), and for the ones I had the inserts for (lyric book/back cover), I pieced them all together. I drove to CD Warehouse 2 days ago, and as I think I wrote, the CD Warehouse near me closed. I drove to the mall down the street yesterday with 2 bags of CDs, and FYE was closed! It was just open the last time I was at the mall, which was a few weeks ago! I decided to drive to the mall that is about 30 minutes away, and that FYE was open. I sold $32.51 worth of CDs: Weezer- Green Album ($2.50), Ashley Tisdale- Guilty Pleasure ($6.25)- I did just buy that album, but it's not as good as I was hoping for. It's not bad, but it's not great. She's one of the artists I'm boderline with; Mariah Carey- Butterfly ($1.25)- don't get mad, Nick! That album has some great songs, but I don't care about most of the songs; Jewel- Pieces of You ($1.25)- again, some great songs, and this album I was borderline on, but my criteria is, if it's not one I regularly reach for on car rides, I'm going to sell it; Lit- A Place in the Sun ($1.25)- a great album, but I don't listen to it nearly as often as other albums; Linkin Park- Hybrid Theory ($5.63 my receipt says, but I thought the register said $4.50?)- I haven't listened to them much since I was 18...their music helped me immensely during that time period, but I'm not in that sad place anymore!; Mariah Carey- The Emancipation of Mimi ($2.50 my receipt says, but I thought the register said $2?)- I never gave this much of a chance, but it has a couple good ballads...this wasn't the deluxe edition, so "Don't Forget About Us" (or is it "We Belong Together"?) I had downloaded, and I'm trying to think if I had downloaded any other songs from it prior to getting it (I got the album either free or for $1, so I made money on it); Brandy- Never Say Never ($1.25 my receipt says- I see no $1 listings on my receipt, so they have me like 25 cents extra on everything for some reason...tax?)- a great album, but again, I hardly listen to it; Mariah Carey- Rainbow ($1.25)- I don't hate Mariah! I just never got into this album, although "Heartbreaker", "Against All Odds", and "Thank God I Found You" are favorites. I have her #1's album and should get her Greatest Hits album; No Doubt- Tragic Kingdom ($3.75 my receipt says...I thought this one was $4.50, lol)- such a classic album. It was the first non-Disney album I bought with my own money, but I just don't listen to it enough; Weezer- Make Believe ($2.50)- I don't hate Weezer, either! I like them, but don't listen to them much (but I didn't sell Pinkerton, since I adore that album); The Veronicas- The Secret Life of the Veronicas ($1.88)- I actually really like this album, and maybe I shouldn't have sold it. It was more about "artist loyalty"- I don't care about their 2nd album. I'll see how I get along without it; Michelle Branch- The Spirit Room ($1.25)- ditto. I don't care about her other music. And the same time, saying that, both of those albums have songs that I don't care as much about, so I don't know. Live and learn.

One thing I have thought of is, it'll cost more to reget these songs (i.e., download) than I got for the whole album, but if I get Amazon gift cards or something, then maybe eventually I'll reaccumulate. Until then, hello, YouTube. I do have to go through my harddrive and delete songs from albums I sold.

So, with my store credit, I rebought some scratched albums (and one that I had originally downloaded and wanted the hard-copy of- I only had downloaded it because I wanted it *now* and was heading out...silly me): the scratched ones: Cheyenne Kimball- The Day Has Come, Samantha Mumba- Gotta Tell You, Christina Aguilera- Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson- Sweet Kisses, Britney Spears- Oops, I Did It Again, and Mariah Carey- Daydream. I bought the bonus edition of Avril Lavigne- The Best Damn Thing- it was on sale for $9.99 and it's regularly $27.99 (it even rang up $27.99 but they fixed it). I know that that edition has swearing in it, or I thought it did, but I didn't see a Parental Advisory sticker... I don't recall it being used, but I don't recall it having all the packaging a new CD has, so maybe it was used, and maybe the original owner took the sticker off. Or maybe this isn't what I'm thinking of, but it does have the DVD [which I'm selling in my lot in the trade thread since I tend not to watch bonus DVDs with albums unless it's someone I really love]. The Jessica Simpson CD looks more scratched than I would expect, but I'll listen to it to make sure it's okay.

I signed up for the Backstage Pass, to save the 10%, which is free for the first 30 days, and you can cancel in that time period. I tried paying with my store credit, and the register wouldn't allow it, because you're supposed to pay with a credit card [so they can charge you the $9.99 a month or whatever if you don't cancel, natch!], but then the transaction was complete, 10% and all, no credit card given. I told the cashier, "I'm not going to complain!"

I have about 23 (give or take) more albums to replace. Some I don't have CD-R copies of and are somewhat scratched, but I need to double-check that they play, and some I have been using the CD-R copies of since the originals are scratched.

So, even by selling some of these albums, I'm losing some music, at least I'm getting some money to invest in my favorite music.

(edit) I feel like something didn't go write between copy/pasting...one paragraph ended up at the end, even though I could swear that that wasn't the last thing I typed...like, my last sentence wasn't last. I hope everything I just spent time typing out shows up!

********************************************************

I wonder if my CD/DVD lot will sell. If not here, it's off to eBay, except I'll make some tweaks. I wonder if I should sell the music and DVDs separately- I just don't know. Advice on that would be useful, too! And I took some of the books down that I'm selling- 4 of them, I think. Even if I don't look at them much, they are or will be helpful tools and interesting reads.

I still have to get those work clothes up on eBay, but some boots I was selling (I live in FL now- I don't need boots!) didn't sell at first, but then someone contacted me about relisting, and I did and they paid, but I'm not making much on them (depending on shipping, $5 or $6, but I didn't pay too much for them initially, and $5 or $6 is more useful than the boots sitting in a bag on my floor!

I wish my other 2 clothing lots sold, but they weren't going for much, so it's okay, and those 2 are things I will still wear, I guess.

I wanted to get extra money before, but with the jewel cases, I owe $213. Yes, I'm serious. I went to Best Buy first, and I bought what they had (3 or 4 packages of 50 CDs and a few 30 packs). Later, I needed more, so I went to Office Max, since I needed to buy packing tape anyway. So much cheaper there. They're of a poorer quality- there were a few broken ones, but the box says 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Bobby fixed one of the broken ones; at first, I thought I had 10 broken Office Max cases, and I thought, hmm, I wonder if they'll give me a free 10 pack to replace these. But then Bobby fixed one, so I'll see how many I have left that he can't fix. I'm getting some money from PayPal, so I'll pay him back for that. I think I'm still paying off my Hanson ticket, but I have a feeling he hasn't been deducting that from my play money allowance recently. *sigh* I have a love/hate relationship with money.

****************************

Oh, I just looked at my FYE receipt- I got a $6.51 "bonus percent 25%"- maybe if you sell a certain number of albums, you get a bonus 25%- that explains the $1.25's- see, I'm not going crazy!

******************************

So, I go to church. I didn't grow up going to church, although I did sometimes go to youth group at my uncle's church. I never not believed in God, and when I was younger, if my daddy was on a business trip or something, I'd pray for his safety. When we moved to Florida, I thought that it might be nice to find a church, to meet some nice people or whatever. We didn't do anything about it, but then I took a history class over the summer in 2005, and the teacher said that his church was having a Memorial Day cookout, and that everyone is invited. Maybe that's weird for a teacher to do, but whatever. I was on the fence about it, but Bobby and I had no plans, and so I talked with the teacher after class, and we've been going to the church since. It's not your average church- we have less than 40 "members" (but we aren't "members"...), and we have a rock band and they play contemporary songs. I have some issues, which I may or may not get into here, but they're a great bunch of people, and they make up the majority of my Florida friends. Especially since my best Florida friend moved back home to New York, if I hang out with people, unless it's at a Hanson concert, these generally are the people I hang out with, except when I volunteer, even though I don't hang out with my volunteers, which is another story altogether (meaning: creepy guy I volunteered with recently- I didn't hang out with him, but I was leading the volunteer group, and he and I got to talking about my frugalness, and I mentioned freebie websites I go on, and he asked if I could email him the sites, and I did, and he was like, "You must have a file on your computer with all these typed out, otherwise you must really like me", and I HATE people who are pretentious like that, ugh, and I wrote him saying, "I have emailed a lot of people that list- I copy/pasted from a previous email", and then he started emailing me asking about things I like or whatever, and I thought I had made it clean when I wrote, " I don't like sports and I don't drink." And then after my "I'm married!" reply, he was like, "I understand that you're married. If you would enjoy helping me meet people..." I didn't even respond after that. Ew. And now he shows up on my Google chat list, because we emailed each other. Yuck. I don't hang out with my volunteers!).

Okay, my church. So, there's one guy who's in his early '40s, even though it doesn't seem like he's that old. He's into theme parks, and he likes Disney, so we have things in common- he, Bobby, and me. He just can't catch a break. He doesn't have a good/steady job, he's unmarried (never has been married), and doesn't have a good family situation. He sent out an email the other day about just his thoughts and about devotion. A while ago, he sent out an email saying that he'd like to move in with someone, and no one responded positively- well, Bobby had, but I didn't want us living with us for a few reasons, so basically I said, sorry, never mind (but I explained myself). There are more married couples with women who are home most of the time than not, so there aren't many places for him to move that would be comfortable (my uncle says that it's wrong for a man to move in with a married couple if the woman is home alone with him most of the time, and I agree, in terms of, not wanting to put thoughts into this guy's head, and I know he's not like that, but still. I know how guys are!). He doesn't like where he lives. He needs money.

The church does provide money- there's tithe money and all. I had been confused at different times about this, and now I know that a) if you have a need, the church will provide money, b) if you don't ask, you won't get the money, c) there's no need for people to be having money problems (one guy told me), but d) the pastor, in an email response to my question about the topic, said that if 2 or 3 people have big needs at once (like rent being paid or needing money for a medical somethign), that the church couldn't afford to pay that, and I guess he was getting at how some people don't really pay the tithe, which doesn't help. The pastor sent out an email (we have a group email list) saying a bunch of things, but one thing that stuck out was about the possibility of having (another, they've done this in the past) a group yard sale to raise money for the people in the church with financial needs (there is a married couple who I adore who have a less-than-1-year-old baby and the guy lost his job over a year ago and has been doing some freelance work and things, but they're in a touch financial situation). He was saying how in the Bible, people would sell their belongings to help each other. Lately I've been trying to sell my belongings to make extra money for myself, and part of me thinks that that's selfish, but I was thinking of bringing over a food pack for the guy I mentioned earlier- I already gave some food to the married couple I mentioned, and I might give them more, too. I'm a very frugal grocery shopper, and have a lot in my parntry. Not like we won't eat it, but still. I can always buy more cheap food later. There are lots of things I'd do if I had more money. I do volunteer work, but I would donate my money to some charities (when Katrina hit, I donated some money to help the animals affected by the storm). If needed, I could sell some other items in a garage sale (garage sales seem like an easier place to sell books and smaller-priced items) to help our church "members".

I guess all this to say, part of me feels selfish for selling my items, but at the same time, the money I'm making for clothes was going to go towards more clothes that fit better and/or lean more towards my growing sophisticated tastes (meaning thrift store Old Navy striped t-shirts vs. Elmo, although I'll never be too old for Disney shirts!), but now all my money will go towards jewel cases, haha, but that could be cheaper than buying a whole new bookcase, and it helps preserve what I've invested a lot of money in (non-scratched Disney DVDs are happier than scratched Disney DVDs). So in that sense, I don't feel that selfish. I should prepare some food packages for these people. I thought of even today, after doing my other things I have planned (a volunteer appreciation luncheon, woot!).

The 42-or-whatever guy I mentioned earlier- in December (?), I had given him a cooking lesson. Remember, the guy doesn't have a good family background and he's unmarried. I figured it'd be nice, and I spent money on food and accessories (potato masher, etc.). He was doing a good job- we made chicken and mashed potatoes, and I don't recall what else, if anything. I had bought more food than we had time to prepare, so I was planning on a second lesson. But then I found out later that instead of making the mashed potatoes like he learned, he was eating raw potatoes. I understand eating raw carrots, and even brocooli, or most vegetables, but not potatoes! I was very disappointed, and I told him, just throw away the turkey in your freezer (it was just ground turkey, not a whole turkey!), because I'm not going to waste my time teaching you how to cook if you're not going to follow through and cook what I taught you to make. The rest of the ingredients were things okay to eat on their own. I bet that potato masher hasn't seen the light of day since. I spent like $60 on that guy for nothing! I mean, I'm glad he had food. I've suggested to him more than once that if he wants a) community time, and b) free food, he could ask people to give him cooking lessons, but no. And I had sent him a response (a wicked long response, similar to how this is wicked long ) to his email about how he's feeling and whatever, and I'm a very honest person- some of it wasn't what he wanted to read, probably, about how a lot of us are job-hunting (but I wrote that my situation is different, since I have Bobby), and stuff, and about the failed cooking lessons. But I did mention other things. No response. Oh well.

Basically I'm writing all this to say that part of me feels almost selfish about selling things for myself, versus selling things to give money to the people in our church who need it more. At the same time, jewel cases not withstanding, the intention behind selling the clothes was to invest that money in clothes that fit better and/or are more classic. But now most of my money will be going to jewel cases, but that's a worthy investment. I have a few cases left, but eventually will have to get more. Hopefully these ones will last at least until the end of the year. We'll see.

For the rest of the year, the scheduled things to buy are:

Aug. 31- Miley Cyrus, "The Time of Our Lives" EP (that's a Monday, but that's the date I read)
Oct. 6- JONAS soundtrack CD and Backstreet Boys, "This Is Us" CD
Oct. 9- Freestyle in theaters
Nov. 6- A Christmas Carol in theaters
Dec. 1-- The Princess and the Frog in theaters

There are other things coming out (like The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind DVDs), but I can get those for Christmas.

Part of me wishes I didn't download as many songs as I have- buying the physical CDs, while sometimes more expensive, makes more sense, especially since I like having the originals. I mean, for songs that are some of my favorite songs and I don't care about the rest of the artists' music, yeah, downloading makes sense, but I should burn those all to a CD or something. I know that Walmart.com used to have sometihng (maybe they still do) where you could have them burn you a CD of songs you download. I have no blank CD-Rs now, which maybe is good, I don't know.

*********
It's expensive being a Hanson fan. If you don't pay the $40 or whatever for the fan club, you miss out on exclusive songs...they only had one CD like that when I was a member, poo. But you can buy some back CDs, but I think you have to sign up for the fan club first. Poo. I have a book/CD (or just downloads, whatever they give), 2 DVDs, and a new EP to buy. Their website is just expensive- they're an indie band, so they can sell things however they want for how much they want.

And my music videos, on VHS- maybe I should get rid of some of those, or maybe not. I don't know. I don't watch them much. I'd save my Hanson and Mandy Moore ones, and maybe Backstreet Boys, but if I save theirs, I need to save 'NSync's, and if I save theirs, I should save Britney's and Christina's, and so I shouldn't sell the Britney, Jessica, or Avril DVDs in my big lot. See what goes through my head and makes me have insomnia like I do!

*******

Yesterday, I think I thought what my problem is with TV-on-DVD, besides being time consuming. With a movie, you have closure, a whole story, in about 2 hours or less. With a book, you have closure once you've read it. With a TV show, it keeps going and going and going, and it takes forever to have closure- more so with dramas, but still. I haven't yet bought "Flight 29 Down" on DVD, and will I buy "The Beautiful Life"? I do love me some Corbin, you all know I do, but that's a tough decision. I guess if I LOVE TBL, I can buy it, but we'll see. I don't even know how big a role he'll play, not like that'll matter. And even with the upcoming "JONAS" DVD- I love them, but it's TV-on-DVD. Ugh. Not to mention one of Disney's non-season set TV-on-DVDs.

****

Just made my updated Christmas/things I'd like to get sometime list:

Hanson- Taking the Walk book

Hanson- Middle of Nowhere Acoustic DVD/CD

Hanson- Strong Enough to Break DVD

Hanson- Stand Up, Stand Up EP (I'd love to have this sooner, though)

Princess Protection Program DVD

Britt Nicole- The Lost Get Found CD (although I think Bobby wants this more than I do)

Wizards of Waverly Place CD (why did I bother downloading the songs?)...but this also depends on if I like Selena's new solo music, meaning the music on her upcoming album, which may or may not be on this list). I have to use discretion with upcoming artists with my new only-buy-certain-artists' albums rule that I may not have mentioned here)

Pollyanna DVD

Winnie the Pooh- Seasons of Giving DVD

The Boys- The Sherman Brothers Story DVD

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure DVD

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea DVD

College Road Trip DVD

Kelly Clarkson- All I Ever Wanted CD (deluxe ed.)

Kelly Clarkson- My December CD

Beverly Hills Chihuahua DVD

The Wizard of Oz DVD

Snowed in at the House of Mouse DVD

Gone With the Wind DVD

Elvis '68 Comeback Special DVD

Beatles & Elvis movies

Samantha Mumba- The Collection CD

other Disney DVDs

Mandy Moore movies I don't have yet

Santa Claus: The Movie DVD

other 2 Twilight books

Twilight DVD

***

I know I won't get this all for Christmas, but I think it's important to have priorities in terms of what you buy or what you want, so you don't waste money on things you won't want later on. It's a lesson I've been slowly learning. Only spend on what you really, really want.

***

I probably win the longest, most rambling post ever award. But insomnia will do that to a person. I have a lot going on in my brain sometimes, and even though it doesn't sound important in the scheme of things, it's everything you do and everything you learn that makes life worthwhile. And now it's too late to bother trying to fall asleep.

[PeterPanfan]

Aw, Ames. I do understand all of your worries. My Catholic church doesn't donate money to people, I don't think. In fact, we usually give one or two donations during a mass, which is one of the many reasons we only go every so often (but that's for another time and another day.)

As for TV-on-DVD, I personally love them. More than movies. With movies, it's so much easier to rent them, and just buy your favorites. You can rarely rent as large a collection of TV on DVD, which is why I have a lot of them.

Also, don't forget Secret Santa, where you can get another thing(s) on your list! (I kind of just wanted to use that emoticon... )

Good luck on selling your items and your job-hunting!!

[DisneyFreak5282]

Oh no Amy! I responded to this and my computer logged me out and the ENTIRE message got erased! I worked SO hard on it too! URGHHH. Later tonight I'll come back and re-write my super-long response!

[universALLove]

Oh no Amy! I responded to this and my computer logged me out and the ENTIRE message got erased! I worked SO hard on it too! URGHHH. Later tonight I'll come back and re-write my super-long response!

Awww, you poor thing . I'd be as hell!

[DisneyFreak5282]

Oh no Amy! I responded to this and my computer logged me out and the ENTIRE message got erased! I worked SO hard on it too! URGHHH. Later tonight I'll come back and re-write my super-long response!

Awww, you poor thing . I'd be as hell!

Oh believe me, I am! It took me SOOOOOOOOOOO effing long to reply too!

[blackcauldron85]

Ugh, that SUCKS!!! If I write a long response, I usually type it and save it in Notepad, then copy/paste, or just copy/paste before hitting the submit button. Again, ugh, that SUCKS!!! I appreciate the effort, and I can't wait to read your updated response.


I started typing this in addition to what I just posted in the Trade thread, but it goes better here.

Except a few of the CDs I'm still on the fence about, even some I sold at FYE, but at the same time, they don't fall into the category of one of my all-time favorite albums (like Ashlee Simpson: I love her "Autobiography" album and don't really ever listen to her other two, so, I'm selling those (but "Bittersweet World" is a downloaded album, but I'm thinking, get the clutter out, I might give some downloaded albums away with the lot and delete them from my computer, so that should be okay).

One of my new "rules" is that if I liked an artist's first album but their second didn't do much for me, or if I just "like" their music but it's not my favorite, they're out. Like, I do enjoy Ashley Tisdale's first album, and her second album had some good songs on it, except the 2 singles really are the highlight of the album. I didn't have that album for long, but it was just sitting on my table- if it's a new album and I'm not listening to it constantly, then you know that I'm not really into it. So, even though I enjoy "Headstrong", it's not one of my absolute favorites (like Mariah Carey's "Daydream", Weezer's "Pinkerton", or Ashlee Simpson's "Autobiography"), so I'll just sell it. If I find that I can live without these albums, then all is good. But Michelle Branch's "The Spirit Room" and The Veronicas- "The Secret Life Of", Ashley Tisdale, and Lit's "A Place in the Sun" are the ones I'm on the fence about, since I enjoy those albums, but at the same time, I'm investing the money made into my favorite music and movies (rebuying scratched CDs and FYE and buying the jewel cases that I owe money for), so it's okay.

Dan, if you need to vent about your church, please do! I'd love to read it! See, my thing about movies vs. TV-on-DVD, which maybe I wrote earlier, is that a movie tells a story. End of movie, end of story (I mean, there are sequels, but like, a whole story is told in 2 hours or less (for most movies), whereas a TV show- you have SO much to watch before it's all over. Dramas more than comedies, but still. I just never get around to watching the TV-on-DVD that I have, so I need to cut myself off. And for things like "Flight 29 Down" and the upcoming "The Beautiful Life", they're Corbin, who I very much enjoy watching, but at the same time, will I watch the DVDs? I like the other shows I bought on DVD, and I still don't watch them. I'd rather put my money into something else that I know I'll enjoy.

Why not: I have made lists in this purging of clutter and getting money. There are certain artists that I have clicked with. Their music speaks to me, and I've enjoyed all their albums. Their albums are the ones I always grab for when I listen to music. They're the ones that have never let me down. With the exception of Kelly Clarkson, who I'm very behind on, even though I do really like her, I have all their albums (except for some that I don't yet have, mostly a few Christmas albums and a couple Greatest Hits albums, and I still have a lot of catching up to do with Elvis and the Beatles, although I have the vast majority of Beatles music on cassette tape and on my computer, but I need to catch up with their CDs).

If there is a new artist I like, I think I'm going to wait until they have a second album out to get their albums to see if I still like them enough, unless it's someone I know I'll love their music (you know how you can just tell that an artist will be your favorite?). But the aritsts in the list are the ones that I have clicked with (obviously the Disney music isn't an artist...), and the ones that I will spend my money on in the future (some of these artists aren't necessarily around anymore, but I still love their music):

Hanson
Corbin Bleu
Jonas Brothers
Backstreet Boys
Mandy Moore
The Beatles
Elvis Presley
Tinted Windows
Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana
High School Musical/Camp Rock
Britney Spears
Avril Lavigne
Demi Lovato
Miranda Cosgrove
Aly & AJ/78violet
Jessica Simpson
Christina Aguilera
Hilary Duff
Taylor Swift
'NSync
Skye Sweetnam
Ashley Parker Angel
Lindsay Lohan
Disney/DisneyMania
Kelly Clarkson
Samantha Mumba
S Club 7
Cheyenne Kimball
M2M
98 Degrees
The Cheetah Girls
Britt Nicole

Other must-have albums that I couldn't part with are:

Mariah Carey- Daydream
Mariah Carey- #1's
Scene 23- Popstars 2
Ashlee Simpson- Autobiography
Weezer- Pinkerton
iCarly soundtrack (but that's Miranda Cosgrove)
A League of Their Own soundtrack
American Graffiti soundtrack
Longshot soundtrack
Matchbox 20- Greatest Hits (I was going to sell this, but a) it's a downloaded album, and b) on the radio yesterday, a Matchbox 20 song played, and I was like, I can't sell this album- it has so many good songs on it.)
and of course Disney music

As for books, I don't think they're going to sell on Craigslist, but I have some books that I just haven't read since I've had them. So, the authors (or type for the last group) I'm sticking with and will continue buying from are:
Nicholas Sparks
Bronte Sisters (they're 2 separate authors)
Jane Austen
Edith Wharton
Disney- behind the scenes books

Yep. I think that in the long run, this will be worth it. It'll help storage space, which will help immensely, and I'll have a little extra money in my pocket that I wouldn't have with these things just sitting around. Not for some of the late '90s/early '00s failed teen pop acts, but for the other CDs and the DVDs, if I still had the original cases, I could sell them online. I mean, I still *could*, but I have no idea how much the original packaging adds to the worth. It'll be a live and learn experience. And for clothes, too. I did sell some, and I'll probably have more to sell in the future. Today, Old Navy has classic T's on sale for $3. Their shirts fit amazingly, and $3 is less than I pay for them at the thrift store. I already owe the main bank account money, so what's another $15 (there is a 5-shirt limit)?!? They will be shirts that I'll always where, since they fit great and are very classic and comfy. Maybe on the way home from volunteering I can stop by if I remember...Bobby will be upset, but at the same time, I think that they'll be a good investment.

I don't know what to do about the 7-episode JONAS DVD on Sep. 22. On the one hand, it's JB, and I <3 them, but on the other hand, it's TV-on-DVD, but on my foot (I ran out of hands), I do absolutely love the show. I don't know.

For the rest of the year, besides those Old Navy shirts ($3 shirts- I can't not go! It's calling to me!), all I have left to buy is:
Miley Cyrus- "The TIme of Our Lives" CD, Aug. 31
JONAS soundtrack, Oct. 6
Backstreet Boys- "This Is Us" CD, Oct. 6

And I need to check out Jada (a girl group from Boston) and Selena Gomez's new CD to see if they're worthy of my time and money! If not, then I won't buy them. Or I would wait to buy them later if they are deemed worthy. And the forementioned JONAS DVD is a maybe.

And then albums I still need to buy, not counting scratched ones I need to replace, are:

Hilary Duff- Greatest Hits (not Most Wanted, but her newer one)
Christina Aguilera- Greatest Hits
many The Beatles & Elvis albums
Kelly Clarkson- My December
Kelly Clarkson- All I Wanted
Mariah Carey- Greatest Hits
98 Degrees- 98 Degrees
98 Degrees- The Collection
Samantha Mumba- The Collection
Aly & AJ- Acoustic Hearts of Winter
Taylor Swift- her Christmas one
The Cheetah Girls- Cheetah-licious Christmas

Hmm. There is a boy band called Five who I loved back in the day. I had bought from England online and then sold their third album, but their other 2 are two of the scratched CDs I have that are on CD-R, and I can't find them. I need to, because I'm keeping those, too.

It seems silly to be spending so much time on all this, because in the scheme of things it doesn't seem important, but at the same time, I think it's good to realize things you really enjoy having verus things that are wasting your time and money. Yes.

Breakfast time.

[DisneyFreak5282]

I'm very sad that I'm tired and can't create two replies to the two novels, erm, posts you wrote. (Just kidding. In all honesty I really did enjoy reading them. I was interested to see how everything turned out!)

Like you, I've been weeding out some CDs of my own, little by little. Today I did a quick clean-out of my CDs and got rid of albums I had double of, albums that were the edited versions (from when I was younger, before my parents let me buy Parental Advisory-stickered albums), or albums that just never really stuck with me.

I have also been reconsidering some artists and albums. I used to be a completist - if I liked a few of a certain artists' albums, I would go and hunt down that artist's older albums. But now I realize that some artists have their good albums and their bad albums. But I also realized there are some artists (Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, and P!nk to name a few) who can do no wrong - every album they record is golden and their albums have - and probably always will -stick with me. For newer artists or artists that have an album or two that never stuck with me, I always like to give second chances. If I'm not pleased the second time around, I get rid of the bad albums and keep their good ones. Also, if it's an artist that I really love, chances are that I have all their albums. That means when an artist releases a greatest hits album, I don't really see the need for me to buy the entire album. I can just make my own CD-R of it considering I have all the songs. If there are new songs on the greatest hits album I just head over to iTunes and get the new songs.

If you have albums that don't have their original artwork that you want to sell, stick the disc in a jewel case and try selling it on eBay, even though you're not sure how much artwork affects pricing. Start the bidding low, but trust me, someone will buy it. For all you know a casual fan of the artist could be looking and they might see it for sale for cheap and they will probably go for it.

As for newer albums/DVDs that you still have the inserts and cases for, did you take my suggestion and put the inserts and booklets/track listings in an accordion binder? That way when you want to sell it back you will have the inserts and you'll be ready to go.

As for the shows, I see what you mean about the long-running story arcs. That's why I like shows like The King of Queens, Seinfeld, and Reba. Nothing major runs over for too long in these shows and you can basically start with any episode and not be confused.

I would say go for any Disney Channel show. Not too many of them have story-arcs and if you like them enough, go for it.

I think that's it for now

[PeterPanfan]

I'm very sad that I'm tired and can't create two replies to the two novels, erm, posts you wrote. (Just kidding. In all honesty I really did enjoy reading them. I was interested to see how everything turned out!)

Like you, I've been weeding out some CDs of my own, little by little. Today I did a quick clean-out of my CDs and got rid of albums I had double of, albums that were the edited versions (from when I was younger, before my parents let me buy Parental Advisory-stickered albums), or albums that just never really stuck with me.

I have also been reconsidering some artists and albums. I used to be a completist - if I liked a few of a certain artists' albums, I would go and hunt down that artist's older albums. But now I realize that some artists have their good albums and their bad albums. But I also realized there are some artists (Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, and P!nk to name a few) who can do no wrong - every album they record is golden and their albums have - and probably always will -stick with me. For newer artists or artists that have an album or two that never stuck with me, I always like to give second chances. If I'm not pleased the second time around, I get rid of the bad albums and keep their good ones. Also, if it's an artist that I really love, chances are that I have all their albums. That means when an artist releases a greatest hits album, I don't really see the need for me to buy the entire album. I can just make my own CD-R of it considering I have all the songs. If there are new songs on the greatest hits album I just head over to iTunes and get the new songs.

If you have albums that don't have their original artwork that you want to sell, stick the disc in a jewel case and try selling it on eBay, even though you're not sure how much artwork affects pricing. Start the bidding low, but trust me, someone will buy it. For all you know a casual fan of the artist could be looking and they might see it for sale for cheap and they will probably go for it.

As for newer albums/DVDs that you still have the inserts and cases for, did you take my suggestion and put the inserts and booklets/track listings in an accordion binder? That way when you want to sell it back you will have the inserts and you'll be ready to go.

As for the shows, I see what you mean about the long-running story arcs. That's why I like shows like The King of Queens, Seinfeld, and Reba. Nothing major runs over for too long in these shows and you can basically start with any episode and not be confused.

I would say go for any Disney Channel show. Not too many of them have story-arcs and if you like them enough, go for it.

I think that's it for now

Yes, what I like about television series is that, if I really love a character, I have a few seasons (years their time) to spend watching them grow! Which can be like watching a friend, or someone you know, lol.

[blackcauldron85]

Lol, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to your novel of a post, Ryan, but no worries!

That means when an artist releases a greatest hits album, I don't really see the need for me to buy the entire album. I can just make my own CD-R of it considering I have all the songs. If there are new songs on the greatest hits album I just head over to iTunes and get the new songs.

I think from now on, buying the physical copies of CDs is the way to go. I don't have any CD-Rs (I know that they're not expensive), and I really am trying to get replacements for any physical CDs I need. And Greatest Hits albums of modern artists (vs. older artists who aren't recording anymore) pretty much always have a few new songs.

If you have albums that don't have their original artwork that you want to sell, stick the disc in a jewel case and try selling it on eBay, even though you're not sure how much artwork affects pricing. Start the bidding low, but trust me, someone will buy it.

For me, that's not a good idea. a) Many albums that fall in that category are older teen pop albums of artists who never made it, so there's no big demand out there. b) I don't have most of my jewel cases- I have some, but I got rid of most of my jewel cases (my normal sized jewel cases) a while ago, since I was using the CD wallets. I do have slim cases, and some normal sized ones, but I'll get rid of the normal sized ones when I have enough to give away (or sell away, or whatever I do). c) Unless you list it during the "5 free listings every 30 days", it costs 35 cents per listing, and then you have the final value fee on top of that. Half.com and Amazon.com are so much better to sell smaller items on. I don't know if the Craigslist lady will email me back...I was going to say, I could list it on eBay and see what happens, and if she writes back, tell her that she took too long to respond (and she'll be mad, but whatever). If it doesn't sell on eBay, then I lost a $25 sale. I don't know. But surely it'd sell on eBay. Maybe I'll list it just in case. Also, since some of the CDs come with CD-R copies of those CDs, will eBay accept that auction, or will they take it down? I mean, it's legal to make backup copies, and I wouldn't be keeping the backup copies, so I don't know.

As for newer albums/DVDs that you still have the inserts and cases for, did you take my suggestion and put the inserts and booklets/track listings in an accordion binder? That way when you want to sell it back you will have the inserts and you'll be ready to go.

I don't know why some of my CDs don't have inserts...I guess cheap used ones I bought that I didn't care too much about are the ones I threw away the inserts for. And my non-Disney DVDs I also threw out the inserts for. For my favorite CDs, and even a bunch of the ones I'm selling, I've kept the inserts in a plastic bag. And I keep the inserts of my Disney DVDs (well, what I did when I put my movies in jewel cases- for all the animated movies, including the sequels (just in case, I guess), and for other favorite live-action titles, I kept the cases, and they're stored on my bookshelf in piles right now, with the inserts intact. For live-action titles that I don't care as much about (I still like them, or the ones I've watched, anyway, but I wouldn't spend money on a new version (like, Air Bud has a new edition out, but I'm keeping my old fullscreen version because it's not one that I watch often at all). I'm happy with my storage system, but that is a good idea.

I would say go for any Disney Channel show. Not too many of them have story-arcs and if you like them enough, go for it.

I love watching Disney Channel on TV, but I only watched Disc 1 of "Lizzie McGuire" once, and I never watched my "Hannah Montana" season 1 set, so I sold them at FYE yesterday, since I'm reputting CDs on this computer (Bobby and I switched computers, and even though most of my music is on the external harddrive, I'm just transfering my albums this way, and now they'll be in mp3 format instead of WMA), and my Britney Spears- "Blackout" CD needed replacing- I have all the songs downloaded from online (I downloaded them a few at a time- the ones I liked most I downloaded first, and then other songs at different times- that album took a while for me to get into, but now I love it), but the CD-R only had 11 songs on it instead of 12 for some reason, so I got store credit & bought the CD (I had to get it new, even though I only paid $4 and some change for it), since they had no used copies.

es, what I like about television series is that, if I really love a character, I have a few seasons (years their time) to spend watching them grow! Which can be like watching a friend, or someone you know, lol.

That makes sense. I mean, I like TV shows, and I like getting to see characters I like. Maybe this means I get more into movies than I do TV shows, and that my official answer, when asked, should be "movies", not "both".

Yesterday I was volunteering near the Florida Mall, and I stopped in to go to FYE and then I went to Old Navy- I had told Bobby last week that Old Navy was having a $3 t-shirt sale, and we both knew that I owe our main account money, but a) I love Old Navy t-shirts, and b) $3 is cheaper than what I pay for them at the thrift store. There's 2 Old Navy's closer to my house, but I was right there anyway, and so I bought 5 since that was the limit. I had sold some clothes anyway, so now I was replacing some. They're just plain t-shirts (5 different colors, though), but I got them in size Medium, since that's what I buy now due to shrinkage (and it allows me room to grow for the future, haha).

I don't usually spend all this money that I don't have. If a concert comes up that I *have* to go to and I don't have the money, then I'll use our main account and pay it back, but the jewel cases really were a lot of money that will take a while to pay back. I don't know if I'll have money for Miley's EP coming out soon unless the Craigslist lady comes through. I still have to list my flowy blouses, too, and maybe I'll find some other clothes to sell.

Blab over. I need to start staying asleep longer. At least today it was after 5am- but Harry needed to go out and he let me know it, and so I got up.

If someone else has babble, I'd LOVE to read it. Enough about me and my CDs, haha!

[PeterPanfan]

Yesterday I was volunteering near the Florida Mall, and I stopped in to go to FYE and then I went to Old Navy- I had told Bobby last week that Old Navy was having a $3 t-shirt sale, and we both knew that I owe our main account money, but a) I love Old Navy t-shirts, and b) $3 is cheaper than what I pay for them at the thrift store. There's 2 Old Navy's closer to my house, but I was right there anyway, and so I bought 5 since that was the limit. I had sold some clothes anyway, so now I was replacing some. They're just plain t-shirts (5 different colors, though), but I got them in size Medium, since that's what I buy now due to shrinkage (and it allows me room to grow for the future, haha).

I don't usually spend all this money that I don't have. If a concert comes up that I *have* to go to and I don't have the money, then I'll use our main account and pay it back, but the jewel cases really were a lot of money that will take a while to pay back. I don't know if I'll have money for Miley's EP coming out soon unless the Craigslist lady comes through. I still have to list my flowy blouses, too, and maybe I'll find some other clothes to sell.

Blab over. I need to start staying asleep longer. At least today it was after 5am- but Harry needed to go out and he let me know it, and so I got up.

If someone else has babble, I'd LOVE to read it. Enough about me and my CDs, haha!

If you live in a neighborhood that has a lot of families/people in it, or are kind of close to one, you could have a yard sale. We have a yard sale once a year (although not anymore, I don't think, since we moved to a more suburban area), and we would always put ads in the Pennysaver. We also scheduled the yard sale on one of the days of our local carnival, since we lived almost right next to where they had the carnival, and there would be a lot of people walking by our house. We sold a bunch of shirts, DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs, games (computer, Playstation, Gamecube), books, antiques, and just stuff we found around the house that we didn't want anymore.

If you think that you don't have enough stuff to warrant a yard sale, and think that if you did have one, people would see the limited items for sale, you can always ask a friend or a family to have a combined yard sale. We used to have one with my aunt and uncle, and their kids, and that way we would attract a lot more people with the large amount of items we had for sale.

If you want, I can give you an ideal pricing guide as to how we priced our items, and whether they sold well or not.

[blackcauldron85]

I enjoy going to yard sales, but I don't know if I have enough to sell at one. I will keep that in mind, though, for the future, about the price guide! Thanks!

And as far as Miley's album that I mentioned, I can afford it, since I told Bobby that that's the only thing until October that I have to buy. Yippee!

[DisneyFreak5282]

Lol, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to your novel of a post, Ryan, but no worries!

Yes, but they're only novels because I'm looking out for your best interest, Ames

I think from now on, buying the physical copies of CDs is the way to go. I don't have any CD-Rs (I know that they're not expensive), and I really am trying to get replacements for any physical CDs I need. And Greatest Hits albums of modern artists (vs. older artists who aren't recording anymore) pretty much always have a few new songs.

You know what I just thought of? Before you rebuy any of those scratched CDs, try one of those CD cleaners, but only if the scratches on the discs are not very deep. I got this thing called a "Skip Dr." at FYE for around $30 about 6 years ago, and it comes with a special cleaning fluid that really helps, and a special cloth to clean it with (it's extra soft and lint free or whatever), and you put the CD on a tray and you spray the bottom side of the disc (the silver side, that the laser reads) with the special fluid, and you crank the machine with one hand and it gets to looking shiny and good. They have since come out with a motorized one that you don't have to crank and that's only about $25 now (it used to be like $50 or $60, I remember because that was the one I really wanted haha). Estimate the prices of the discs that don't have too bad of scratches and if they'll cost more than $25 to replace then I'd go for the Skip Dr. With the hand-crank Skip Dr., I would get good results, but not every time. I have yet to try the motorized one, but I would assume it would work better. It's up to you if you want to get the Skip Dr., and possibly save some money. You could also try the one from Game Stop, it's only $5 so I'm not sure how good it works: (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/Product ... t_id=23424). How about this - post a list here of the CDs you have that are still scratched and need to be replaced, and label the ones that are completely unplayable.

For me, that's not a good idea. a) Many albums that fall in that category are older teen pop albums of artists who never made it, so there's no big demand out there. b) I don't have most of my jewel cases- I have some, but I got rid of most of my jewel cases (my normal sized jewel cases) a while ago, since I was using the CD wallets. I do have slim cases, and some normal sized ones, but I'll get rid of the normal sized ones when I have enough to give away (or sell away, or whatever I do). c) Unless you list it during the "5 free listings every 30 days", it costs 35 cents per listing, and then you have the final value fee on top of that. Half.com and Amazon.com are so much better to sell smaller items on. I don't know if the Craigslist lady will email me back...I was going to say, I could list it on eBay and see what happens, and if she writes back, tell her that she took too long to respond (and she'll be mad, but whatever). If it doesn't sell on eBay, then I lost a $25 sale. I don't know. But surely it'd sell on eBay. Maybe I'll list it just in case. Also, since some of the CDs come with CD-R copies of those CDs, will eBay accept that auction, or will they take it down? I mean, it's legal to make backup copies, and I wouldn't be keeping the backup copies, so I don't know.

Well, like I said, you can try and post it on eBay or Amazon Marketplace or Half, because no matter what you think, someone will want that album by that failed teen pop act or that artist who was a one hit wonder. They may not have a high demand for it, so other people might see it as a rare album and take the opportunity to jack up the price on it. Stick it in a slim jewel case and sell it in the Amazon Marketplace or Half.com and mention that it doesn't come with the inserts. I guarantee you someone will buy it. If they want it and they see it for such a low price, they'll take it. Also, it's probably not a good idea to sell the backup copies with them. If you sell the original album, throw the backup out or just pack it away somewhere where you know you're not going to listen to it.

I don't know why some of my CDs don't have inserts...I guess cheap used ones I bought that I didn't care too much about are the ones I threw away the inserts for. And my non-Disney DVDs I also threw out the inserts for. For my favorite CDs, and even a bunch of the ones I'm selling, I've kept the inserts in a plastic bag. And I keep the inserts of my Disney DVDs (well, what I did when I put my movies in jewel cases- for all the animated movies, including the sequels (just in case, I guess), and for other favorite live-action titles, I kept the cases, and they're stored on my bookshelf in piles right now, with the inserts intact. For live-action titles that I don't care as much about (I still like them, or the ones I've watched, anyway, but I wouldn't spend money on a new version (like, Air Bud has a new edition out, but I'm keeping my old fullscreen version because it's not one that I watch often at all). I'm happy with my storage system, but that is a good idea.

I like that system! And I like how you made a list of things for the rest of the year that you need to buy. Maybe I should do that. Lately I've been buying tons of CDs and DVDs to save some money by the time Black Friday comes around (That's another thing - wait for Black Friday for some of the CDs and DVDs).

[DisneyFreak5282]

Actually, I thought about it. Don't buy the Skip Dr. If I were you I would just re-buy the CDs or DVDs because that way you're ensured that they will work.

[blackcauldron85]

I'm thinking of maybe posting the DVDs as a lot and then the CDs as a lot. And some of the CDs, seriously, they don't sell...if you go to Half.com and click on Sell Your Stuff, they show how much previous sales have been for, and if there haven't been any sales lately, it's just blank. I know that a lot of the CDs aren't worth much, it's more about just cleaning out my things, as far as those CDs go, but for others, I would like to get some money back.

And, ugh, I think too much, haha. I need to watch the DVD that came with Britney's "Circus" album and the one that came with Avril's newest album, to see if they're something I want. I really like concert DVDs/VHS tapes, and I have others that are a mixture of all different things (videos, performances, interviews, etc). They're good if I'm sick, if I'm in bed and don't want to have to think. So, I might add ones that I don't have yet to my "eventually buy" list. I don't know.

Money management is hard.

Thanks for the advice again!

[PeterPanfan]

Yeah, I wouldn't guarentee that something is going to sell. A lot of CDs I've tried to sell weren't even bid on.

[blackcauldron85]

Right- some of the CDs I have I bought for 25 cents at a used CD store. I should've saved my 25 cents for some of them, though! So, I'm not too worried about making money off of them, but some of the albums actually are worth a little something. That's why I hardly ever list CDs and DVDs on eBay, because of the listing fees- if it doesn't sell, you still owe money. Half.com is where I like to sell CDs and DVDs online.

[Chernabog_Rocks]

I'm really bad for keeping a ton of things I don't use anymore, or need. I've really been hoping to cut down. The majority of the clutter is actually notebooks. I have a bad habit of buying notebooks or paper and writing down lists of just about anything and everything.

I'm hoping to go through it all and cut down on anything that isn't really usable, projects I've worked on recently can stay but anything that's years old and definatley not going anywhere can be tossed.

Also, I have a problem with shelving space. I just don't have enough shelves for everything, some things end up stacked on the floor, or crammed into wherever I can fit it.

Guess I need to tear my room apart and re-organize it all when I get the chance.

-------------

On a different note, I'm back from Vancouver and had an awesome time visiting with my family at our big BBQ. It was held on my Great-Grandpa's birthday and everyone got into three groups.

- The Kids (My Grandma and her sister etc.)
- The Grandkids (My Mom and her siblings etc.)
- The Great-Grandkids (Myself and cousins)

Then each group got a balloon of a different color and we counted down and sent them off into the sky and yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

We also had lots of games like Boccee Ball, Water Balloon Toss, Three-Legged Race's and Croquet.

Can't wait to do it again next year

[blackcauldron85]

Aww, all the balloons sound amazing!!! I'm glad you had a fun time!

Undoing your packrat ways really isn't that hard- it feels good to get rid of things, actually- it's less that you have to deal with! Good luck! And if you find you have a lot of notebooks left, you could look into Freecycle (there are so many local Freecycle groups in the world, I think- they're Yahoo groups where people give away things or ask for things they want that others might just be storing somewhere...its purpose is to keep things out of landfills). With the school year coming up, I bet a parent would love to have the notebooks (as long as there is blank paper in them, haha).

[blackcauldron85]

Over a month ago, I went to a Demi Lovato meet & greet. I took 3 girls who I know (who I must've mentioned here before?), because they like Demi, too, and I was going anyway, so why not. Demi wasn't posing for pictures, so you either had to have someone you're with try and snap a picture, or beg the person behind you if they can. I took pictures of the girls meeting her (2 of the 3 pictures came out not as good- AT&T had passed out fans while we were waiting (laminated paper fans with wooden handles) to keep us cool while waiting in the Florida heat, and 2 of the girls were holding their fans while meeting Demi in such a way that they practically covered Demi completely. The other girl, you can see Demi in the pic). I had said that I'll take their pictures if they could take mine. The oldest girl took my picture, and I have yet to have the picture given to me.

I emailed them (all 5 members of the family) on Aug. 3, the day of the meet & greet, emailing them the pictures, and asking if they could send me my picture. No response from any of the 5, no, "thanks for the pics" or anything. I emailed them Sep. 2, asking if they could send the pic. No response, I know that the mom and oldest daughter have sent out other emails since then (we all go to the same church, and we have an email list). This morning, I sent an email, which basically said that I do all these things for the girls {I've taken them to other free events, and I had a spare Jonas Brothers ticket[due to my friend moving, and I gave it to one of the girls- the mom had said they couldn't pay, and then said that the oldest daughter couldn't go due to another commitment, but that the middle daughter maybe can go, but then I never heard back if the middle daughter actually could go, so I put my ticket on StubHub, and I told the mom, saying that if it doesn't sell, that I'll take one of the girls if they can go, and the mom was mad, being like, you already promised the ticket, whatever], I've brought them to the movies, not to mention babysitting and feeding them}, and I don't do the things for anything in return, but at the same time, I feel used and disrespected, since the one, small favor I ask gets ignored. I said that it's not even about the picture anymore; although I still want the picture, it's more about the fact that I do these things for them and my 1, small request is being ignored.

It's frustrating. In the words of my friend (the one who I had gotten the JB ticket for, who actually ended up buying a plane ticket and expensive concert ticket anyway [who couldn't even afford the $42 the ticket cost me to begin with](once she found out she was moving, she said that I might as well not hold the ticket for her, in case she can't find a cheap plane ticket, but part of me thinks that she didn't want the nosebleed section...whatever), this lady is "flaky". My friend doesn't know this lady, but I think that's a good description. They're a nice family, and I know that I'm not the center of their world, but at the same time, when I get a call saying, "Hey, can you take the girls to the movies tonight?" or "Hey, can you babysit the girls tomorrow?", and I do it, and they can't even say thank you and send me one picture, it bugs the crap out of me.

I'm already thinking of not being as open to them anymore in terms of the girls. The last time I was asked to babysit two of them, I didn't want to, but I still did it. The two of them were arguing and whatever, and I threatened to turn off the movie and send them home a few times. I know that that's not the "Christian" thing to do, to just close my services off to them, but it really isn't just about a photo- it's about the fact that I do so much for them, and one tiny, quick, free favor gets ignored. It's like I'm their slave or something. And I know that they care about me and all, but it just sucks to be ignored when I do things for them.

*edit*
A few minutes ago, I received an email from the lady, apologizing, saying that she doesn't have a excuse for taking so long, and that the picture isn't on her computer, otherwise she would have sent it a while ago, and that she'll look for it on her husband's or her daughter's computer. So, eventually I can post my picture with Demi, and send it to my cousin (he wrote on Facebook that I haven't posted anything since I met Demi, and that Demi either kidnapped me, or that I kidnapped her, lol), and to my parents. Yay.