Books & Clothes

Today I went through all the books on my bookshelf and decided which ones I didn't want to lug around anymore. The process proved itself to be challenging. You know how there are those objects in your life that you have a sentimental attachment to, but you have no use for the item itself? Well, I think I felt that way about many of my books. "ohhh I remember when I got this book and it meant so much to me at the time, but will I ever read it or open it again?" probably not, I said. And when you think about trying to put your entire apartment into one 5 by 7 by 8 moving pod, well.... the chances of your old books sticking around are very slim.

On the upside, I finished the task of going through my books and proceeded to load them all in my car. Then it was off to the used bookstore to pedal my memories. The first bookstore that I went to only bought 5 of my 30 books, but the next one took them all, which felt great because that meant I didn't have to walk like Charlie Brown all the way back to my car with two paper bags full of books. The down side: I could only get $20.00 for all of my books. I think that one of them cost me about $30.00 when I first bought it. But what the hell, now I have more space in my moving pod, and on my bookshelf.

Also, there is a very gratifying feeling you get from getting rid of material possessions. Like you don't need all these things. And, with books its especially interesting because, generally speaking, someones bookshelf is a microcosm of who they are and what they believe in and find interesting. You can look over someones books and see their passions, what they have learned, their past, all that stuff. And when you get rid of books its almost like moving on (even though you still remember the knowledge and entertainment you received from those books).

I also got rid of 4 garbage bags full of clothes today. Took em' all to the Goodwill. See ya clothes!

Ah, yes. It is nice to downsize.