I Am So Ashamed

Okay, it all started like this: David came to me last week with a cracker in his mouth and a container in his hand and asked me, "what is this smell"? Ugh, it smelled like paint or turpentine, or some disgusting something. The crackers were obviously, very old. This led me to the pantry and I soon started to toss things out, like a mad woman. It may look crowed in the above picture, but it has been organized. I am so ashamed of being so wasteful. I threw away dozens of boxes of outdated "stuff". I know, all the websites for organization are out there.....I have read them! You know, I buy stuff, even large quantities from Sam's (humm, that could be part of the problem) and don't keep up with moving the things forward that need to be used first. I am great at checking labels when I purchase the item, but time gets away and the first thing you know the "stuff" is outdated. You have probably all received an email or two about someone dying from bacteria in some old food product...yikes, I don't want to make my family or guests sick! I vow to use what I have before buying more. Make a list and check it twice.
Here is a close up of one of the shelves. Notice I have not only cleaned the shelves, and moved and thrown away mega items, but I have labeled the shelves......how organized is that? We shall see how long it stays that way. I am honestly trying to create meals utilizing what I have on hand. Have you checked your cabinets or pantry lately? It might be a real eye opener.
This is my emergency area in case of storms, etc. The electricity is off often here..in fact it was off twice yesterday. I used the flashlight and candles in the early hours of the morning. Flash lights, can opener, batteries, candles, lighter, phone, weather radio, emergency numbers, etc. I might add, my pantry is also a"safe room".

Hey, I am headed to the refrigerator for my next search for "old stuff". Oh, and another good thing came out of this cleaning frenzy.....I am now recycling, and boy--- do I have a load of things to drop off at the recycling center.