Big-purse addiction put to rest

A few months ago I decided to break an addiction and to do it on my own. I’m proud to say, I’ve been successful. It’s been months since I’ve needed my big purse.

That’s right, I was a bigpurse addict. It’s a problem that grew up subtly along with my children.

Back in my college days, I carried a back pack. Eventually the back pack gave way to a diaper bag. Although one of my favorite diaper bags was actually a back pack — but that’s a different column.

The diaper bag always had more than baby stuff in it, so when the youngest was completely potty trained, I started carrying a big purse. A really big purse.

The family always made fun of my big purses, but then they asked me for a Band-Aid or some Ibuprofen. My husband was offended if I asked him to hold my big purse, but then he expected me to smuggle his soda into the movies. I always considered my purse as a personal emergency preparedness kit. Besides the Ibuprofen and Band-Aids, I carried allergy meds, Kleenex, contact lens solution, reading glasses, hair products, makeup and lists. I like lists. I could go into my purse and produce tax documents, health insurance cards and a record of recent social engagements.

Often I had food and drinks in there, too.

My big purse made me feel secure. Of course, the problem with a big purse is that sometimes it’s just too big. It didn’t make sense to carry it into a meeting, or even into the convenience store when all I needed was a bottle of water. More and more I found myself leaving my big purse on the passenger seat of the car. Sometimes, I would cover it with a sweater or move it to the floor, but I knew it wasn’t very safe. I knew that even here in Bella Vista, there are people who will break a car window to steal a purse.

It was time to break my addiction.

Over the years my cell phone has replaced my giant appointment book. Not only do I use the electronic calendar, I also use the contact list — and I love to set reminders. My phone is almost always with me. I added a plastic case to the back, where I can keep my driver’s license and my debit card,

which has almost completely replaced the check book I used to carry everywhere.

I keep the phone in my pocket. I did buy a tiny purse and a tiny wallet, but I don’t bring it with me very often — but it’s great when I don’t have a pocket for the phone.

I’m proud to say I can now travel without my personal emergency preparedness kit, but only if I’m driving my own car. My car has a compartment between the front seats where I can store allergy meds, Kleenex, contact lens solution, reading glasses, hair products, makeup, tax documents, health insurance cards and a record of recent social engagements.

And sometimes food and drink.

My husband doesn’t understand why I’m reluctant to ever trade cars with him. But it’s a problem I’m working on.

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