Non-philosophical musings

Despite being married to a philosopher, I rarely quote philosophers. But today I will because I think Jean-Paul Sartre's translated quote "Hell is other people" is missing the mark. I would have to say that hell is other people's stuff.

In 2007/08, Mark was a visiting professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. We found a furnished house to rent in a family/dog-friendly neighborhood. Yes, it was furnished so I did expect furniture and kitchenware. But there was also an abundance of left-behind books, CDs, and outgrown toys. I did have closet space and was able to unpack our things, but was aware that I was living with other people's stuff and that it was stuff they didn't want. When we went back to Athens that summer, I cleaned out our unwanted stuff and donated it.

Forward to this year. Mark is on sabbatical with The Freedom Institute (or something like that) at the University of Arizona. Once again we're renting a furnished house. But this house isn't merely furnished; it's stuffed to overflowing with things. Things like expired medication, five opened containers of Italian bread crumbs, countless opened boxes/packages of pasta and rice, 60+ pairs of shoes; I could go on and on. There isn't a drawer, corner, or closet that isn't packed completely. Where do I put the things we brought for this year? How can I unpack when there is barely room to get my boxes in the house? I also have to remember to keep a path clear so Mark can get through. And, naturally, the garage isn't any better.

So here's what I can say about the house: I like the location. I like the view of the Catalina Mountains from the front room. I like living with my husband and son. And, although I miss Gwen mightily, I'm glad she's not here to be packed into a place that in my mind is user-unfriendly.

Oh, and for my two followers who know me: I had to throw out many, many opened packages of Trader Joe's chocolate because I had no idea how old it was! Tragic!