Time to Say Goodbye

I'm not the sort who is afraid of too much. I can't bear those who shriek and cause a commotion at seeing a spider or any kind of bug. It's not as though we live in a country where any wee bug poses any real threat.

I have similar distain for those who fuss over a mouse or rat. I have disposed of many over the years. Humanely collecting the live ones carried into my house by feline companions, gathering them up gently to deposit in the nearby garden of a least liked neighbour. Extracting the dead from nooks and crannies - by necessity, one acquires a nose for decaying rodent - and, at my last address, disposing of the bodies with a practised flick of the spade to launch them well into the bush.

But what I do have a heightened fear of is identity theft. No scrap of paper ever enters my recycling bin bearing my name or address. I angst over the wisdom of putting sender details on envelopes or parcels I send, consumed with worry that my friends and associates will not take similar care with the disposal of my personal information at the other end. Soon after arriving at the beach four years ago - I know, where did the time go? - my beloved paper shredder gave its last determined whirr before it locked tight and sent up smoke signals to indicate that its days of productivity had come to an end. Such a loyal and true friend could not be disposed of completely and it continues to serve as the kindling repository.

Since it took on its new role I have tried vainly to keep up with manual ripping up of paper, but with bills and bank statements flowing in at an alarming rate - and no, I don't want electronic billing, thank you - drawers and desks are overflowing. Today is the day to say goodbye to 2014, and more importantly its paperwork and that of the three years before. A new model has arrived - Dick Smith's finest, $29.99 - and at last it is time to say goodbye to the accumulation.

Barely scratching the surface, but a start nonetheless!

And on it will go.

My New Year resolution will be 'pay, and throw away'. Other than that, a year as happy as this one has been will be just fine. Happy New Year everyone - may it be a great one for you, too!