PRINTCoping with stuff
Cat Szalkowski
May 20, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. CST
Sometime in the next few weeks, I’ll be packing up my life and moving out of Columbia. As much as I feared moving here, I’ve formed a special bond with this place, more specifically my apartment. Compared to everywhere else I’ve lived, the rent is extremely affordable, the staff is super-friendly, and my property has a pool and fitness center. It’s pretty fantastic.
But getting comfortable in a space also means making it your own; I’ve hung things on almost every wall and filled the rest of my apartment with stuff — books, DVDs, pens, photos, shoes and some more shoes. When it’s time to pack up and go, I’ll have to decide what makes the trip and what stays behind. I guess it’s sort of cathartic, but I get attached to things: corks from special-occasion wine bottles, birthday cards and ridiculous T-shirts.
Our feature this week takes a look at people’s stuff, and what they’re doing to cope with it (Page 8). An entire industry is devoted to storing people’s excess, and I’ve found that others share my affinity for silly trinkets.
So, as I get ready to embark on my least favorite activity (moving), I’ll definitely be taking with me the fond memories of this city. You’ve been great, Columbia. Keep it real.
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