Just a Thought: Time Moves On

You can't take it with you, or can you?

So here's what I'm pondering for now… I live in a small studio apartment with space enough for myself. I find that I'm at the stage where anything new that's bought into the apartment has the domino effect of bumping something out.

Old bulky vinyls keep your sweet memories of the past. (Bruno Vincent/Getty Images)

I'm sure most of us over 40 have this dilemma what to do with your record collection? It's very personal. You selected most of them or were given some as gifts. The 78 LPs are heavy, bulky dust-collectors. The 33-1/3s left by your parents have much sentimental value along with great memories. The 45s are your evidence of growing up and buying a song that you had to hear even though sometime later you found a way to get many of your favorites on one album.

When you look at them now, you might not want to even listen to them, saying, “what got into me at that time? Everything revolves around moods and peer pressure if your best friend had it, you should too.

Some of the records are scratched, some have never been taken out of their jackets, did I really need to buy it? Do you still have a record player?

Your friends listen to these songs by playing cable TV or satellite radio. Are you going to be an old-time disc jockey and change the records? The memories the songs bring back don't have to be from the physical record itself. Of course, CD's, and the ultimate MP3 are other ways to listen and reminisce.

To keep these songs in your heart and mind is important. Remembering holidays long past and the good times family gatherings evoked.

So make the move —try to have your favorite songs on an MP3. Those bulky old vinyls are things of the past. If you had to move out at a moments notice would you be able to scoop everything up and go?

Passing by some flea markets I ponder the many old records for sale. This is the case in many cities across the country. Remembering the tunes you loved is ample reason to let go of the large physical records and enjoy the smaller conveniences available today.

So, enjoy hundreds of recordings without needing to rent an extra room or even buy a house to keep those bulky records. Time moves on.