Using it Up

I get a strange satisfaction from finishing stuff. Not just projects, but stuff. Like a line of staples in the stapler, or the last vitamin in the bottle or all of the ink in a pen. Or, of course, a ball of yarn.

I have no idea what drives it but since, as weirdness goes, it is a small one, I humor myself.

That said, I was actually pleased to see that one of my compact florescent bulbs was burned out. I've had that bulb for roughly 15 years. We were early adopters -- and no, the bulb has not actually been in use all that time but it has been in use in the same fixture for about 8 or 9 years. It was the last of its type in the fixture, though not the last in the apartment. When I took it out, I put it next to it's replacement and realized just how far compact bulb technology has come.
On the left, the original compact florescent purchased through Con Edison for $3 back around 1991. In the middle, a slightly later generation "compact" bulb probably purchased in a multi pack from BJs or Costco. On the right, the current generation -- also purchased in a multipack from Costco just a few months ago. Look how small it is! It is actually totally recessed into the fixture while it's neighbors (of the middle variety) are all poking out.

Yes, its the small things that make me smile! Now to figure out how to dispose of these things safely ...