The Burning House

Foster Huntington, in May of 2011, asked himself what he would take with him if his house were on fire. The answer led to an intriguing project that demonstrates how uniquely each of us attaches to material things. It got me thinking about what I would take with me. I was surprised by how many of the things I've accumulated over the years that I was ready to leave behind. It's all just stuff. Stuff that I like, and that would take me a long time to replace, but just stuff.

In reality, the items I chose were so scattered throughout my apartment, and I had to think through each one of my storage spots, that there is no way I would actually be able to gather this exact collection to save. If I had that much time, I'd just put out the fire. No, in real life, I'd look around, grab an armful of the most expensive things, plus the cash and savings bonds in my dresser (don't come rob me), and get the heck out of Dodge, praying that I'd estimated high on the renter's insurance. But if we suspend reality for a moment, to let me reflect on irreplaceable things, here's what I would grab (let's pretend I could carry it all in one trip).

Twenty-eight years' worth of stuff

1) My laptop. Too much stuff on here, and no backup drive (I know, Dad, I should back everything up)
2) My phone. Cause, otherwise, how would I call the fire department? Also, let's be honest, I'm now lost without my phone.
3) My TEC Bible...I've already got all the important stuff underlined. Don't want to waste all that work.
4) I've got a drawer full of all sorts of things I want to keep. We call it a "Forever Box", cause that's the stuff you want to have, you know...
5) Couple of pictures that are professionals, so I don't have the negatives...Michelle hooding me, Mimi and Grandad, and the Zapapi.
6) Also, a photo strip from Milwaukee with The House, after Brady's wedding--first photo booth experience, and it was everything I wanted it to be.
7) Various artifacts from my globetrotting sisters...Moroccan jewelry box from Michelle, Jamaican drum from Kelly, German beer boot from Mary.
8) The pearls from Mimi and Grandad for my 16th birthday
9) Pearl necklace from John
10) Grandma's diamond cross necklace
11) My keychain collection--I'm proud of it, and it would take WAY too long to replace.
12) My billfold--you know, driver's license, credit card, Starbucks' card, library card, PALS card--all the good cards.
13) My passport (complete with Tanzanian Visa)...no way I'm jeopardizing my Kili trip this close to launch time.

The End.