Well, it’s been a rough go since around the beginning of October. My anxiety issues have kicked up a notch, to the point where I had to give up my beloved coffee just to stay sane. Even with that, for a while I had to take beta blockers to help with the random heart rate spikes, and played videos games most of the time to give myself time to recover (and because I couldn’t get my brain into much else). Thankfully things have leveled out a bit from there, though I still struggle to get my head into anything.
Why the spike? Who knows. I had actually gotten into a nice exercise routine before this, but my first “bonus” panic attacks happened while working out. Otherwise, at age 37 I’m starting to feel the effects of aging, which produces some amount of dread. And let me tell you, the dating scene for people my age, in the year 2024 (when nearly everything is done via app), as a garbage picking introvert with mental disorders … let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend it. The state of the world doesn’t help much either.
So, what can you do really? I’m just trying to take it easy and wait it out. If anything my tendency has been towards workaholism over the course of my garbage career, so I don’t feel too guilty about being “lazy” now. I switched medications, because the other one wasn’t doing anything for anxiety before this happened anyways. Otherwise, I guess it’s a good opportunity to contemplate lifestyle changes that might promote a less stressful existence.
With all that, I haven’t gone out for trash as much recently. I’ve struggled with being far from “home” for about a decade now, and my range (ie: where I feel “safe” before the panic attacks come) was diminishing even before this spike. On top of that, my motivation has not been there. So I’ve been doing just one trash run per week, plus a bit of my own neighbourhood.
I picked up this very old looking wood cabinet thing while driving one night. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, so I figured I’d ask you folks what you think before I list it on Facebook.
With a unusual metal latch on the inside, and the skeleton key lock, I think it was probably made to hold valuables. It is decorative though, so it was also likely made to be displayed. I’m thinking it’s a china cabinet, made to hold the fancy dishes and silverware for when the Queen came to visit. What do you think?
Otherwise, this pile produced an interesting find, as well as some tools and a bunch of new bins for me to store my junk in.
When I first opened these smaller boxes, my first guess were that they contained individually wrapped, ancient cookies. However, I saw a couple of watches on straps elsewhere in the box, so I explored further.
In the end, each box held around 15 “new old stock” watches. In total, I have about 200 of these, all the exact same. The brand is Imexco, which isn’t a name anyone’s ever heard of, but they are Swiss and have a nice mid-century look to them. Most seem to work alright, though a few don’t run anymore, or otherwise feel wonky.
My plan is to sell them individually, at the price of 23.99 (which I completely made up). I think that’s fair for a nice looking, no name Swiss watch that has been sitting around for 60 or 70 years (and therefore might need maintenance sooner rather than later). So far I’ve sold 10 on eBay, and a few more at yard sales.
I should be able to make a couple to a few grand on these, although it’ll take years to clear them all out.
There was also a little box of old watch cases and parts, which sold for about 40$ at auction. All in all, a pretty good haul!
Otherwise, the Canada Post strike has been challenging. I’m still able to ship some packages, particularly to the US thanks to Chit Chats, but within Canada it’s often a little bit more expensive, if not impossible for some rural addresses. So I’ve just told a lot of people that their shipment will be delayed until the end of the strike. With Christmas coming, I can’t imagine it’ll take that much longer to figure this out. I have six packages waiting to go out, including 3 watches, 2 pens, and 1 medal.
Links
1. My eBay listings. Sign up for eBay (Canada, US). Search for something you want / research something you have (Canada, US). — These are Ebay Partner Network links. If you create an account or buy something after getting to eBay from these links, I get a small cut of the profit!
2. “Things I find in the garbage” on Facebook
3. Follow @garbagefindssells on Instagram (this is managed by a friend, I’ve quit Instagram for the time being)
4. Email: thingsifindinthegarbage@gmail.com. Note that I really suck at keeping up with my email.
5. Help support the blog, or just buy me a coffee! PayPal link below.
I hope you find yourself on an even keel, anxiety wise, soon.
I watch your ebay sales, and I must admit I was wondering why this watch was making so many appearances of late. Mystery solved. 🙂
That beautiful cabinet does seem like it would function as a buffet type piece. I really like reading about all your adventures. I hope you are able to get some relief and work out your issues because we get a lot out of your sharing with us. Thanks for that.
Sending good-health vibes, Martin, and good wishes that your current efforts are successful in making you feel better. Despite what you’re dealing with healthwise you’ve put together a beautiful blog post. So talented!
Regarding that lovely wood cabinet, I think it looks quite old and it might be worth checking it out with an antique dealer knowledgeable about furniture to identify its age and provenance.
All the best for good health and success.
The cabinet looks like a Jacobean Revival piece- 19th or early 20th century- but (to me) the “side pillars” look different to what would be on a British example of the style.
Sending you positive vibes. You bring joy to others with your stories, I certainly love to read about your treasure hunts. May 2025 bring you peace and good health!
I wish you well, healthwise. The cabinet is pretty, diamonds always remind me of the style of Jean Palardy.
Might the cabinet be to hold liquor?
Wishing you well.
So glad that the panic attacks have chilled. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to your posts. Your writing is beautiful and the things you find are amazing – wish it was that good here in the U.S. Hope things continue on the upward track and happy hunting.
Best,
Sue
Many years ago, someone dragged me to a yoga class, to help with my anxiety. I just focused on the breathing and it was a great skill to learn. You might even meet someone. Love, love love, your posts!
I haven’t had much luck with yoga unfortunately. It gives a lot of space for intrusive thoughts to pop up, lol. Maybe if one of these medications takes the edge off a bit, regular practice could be beneficial
Martin, that is one beautiful cabinet. Looks like some parts are butternut – could that be so? What are you asking for it? I am not on Facebook so I don’t think I can see it there. Anxiety sucks and it is rampant right now, and the weather certainly isn’t helping. Especially with it getting dark at 4 PM or thereabouts. But hey – in 12 days or so, the days start getting longer once again, so that is something to look forward to! Your faithful readers love to see your posts, so they are so very much appreciated. Hang in there … better days are around the corner 🙂
I’m not sure, wood is not my expertise. I haven’t thought of a price yet and it hasn’t been listed. Maybe I should post it on one of those subreddits that help with this kind of stuff. Thanks for the kind words otherwise!
My grandparents’ had a very similar piece in their mid-century dining room. They used it as a liquor cabinet. Thank you for your blog. I read every post.
Had no idea Canada was having a postal strike. Hope your new meds work for you. Really enjoy your posts. Been reading them for years.
Anxiety and panic attacks-ugh! So sorry they’ve been worse for you lately. I liked an earlier commenter’s suggestion regarding yoga. Everyone I know including myself has been having increased anxiety and depression lately and the cold dark weather doesn’t help. What does help is talking to one another and saying why we are anxious and sad. Sometimes just communicating your concerns helps a person know their feelings aren’t unique to them.
That’s a nice-looking cabinet, with the patina of age. The wrapped watches (when unwrapped) immediately reminded me of my late father – his wristwatch was just like them (maybe not the same brand), but the large-letters and the glow-in-the -dark hands. I wish you success in treating your anxiety concerns and panic attacks.