Thinking about stuff...

So at some point recently I was thinking it would be a nice goal at some point to whittle my stuff down to only enough to fit in a backpack plus a bike plus a guitar. But when I think about it more that list of plusses just keeps getting bigger. When does it stop? I thought it might be interesting/scary to create a list of stuff that I have that I feel is actually useful to me:

SPORTS/ADVENTURE/TRANSPORT
- bike
- floor pump
- tent(s!)
- sleeping bag
- camp stove + accessories
- panniers
- bike accessories (tools, safety gear, spare parts, clothing, etc)
- rollerblades
- hiking boots
- runners
- sandals
- climbing gear
- snowshoes
- snowboots
- booties for winter camping
- tarp
- headlamp
- various camping accessories
- maps
- hackey sack
- frisbees
- disc golf discs
- ultimate field (cones)
- cleats
- rain jacket
- rain pants
- gaiters
- specialized clothing (socks, shirts, long johns, pants, etc)
- crazy carpets
- thermarest
- basketball (I haven't actually used this one much, but I would be reluctant to get rid of it since I have it)
- skis + boots
- hiking/skiing poles
- some books

ENTERTAINMENT
- iPod
- stereo
- guitar
- CDs
- books
- some board games
- paint supplies
- hula hoop

INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS
- laptop
- phone
- battery charger
- camera + accessories
- computer accessories (router, adsl modem, carrying case, etc)

REQUIRED or USEFUL for WORK and SCHOOL
- stationery and art supplies
- daypack
- textbooks and other books
- watch
- dress-up shoes
- dress-up clothing
- binders

HOUSEWARES/COMFORT
- some furniture
- kitchen supplies and housewares
- cat blanket
- sewing kit (rarely used)
- hot water bottle
- slippers

NECESSITIES (or almost)
- clothing that I use (everyday plus some dress-up)
- necessary paperwork and a system for filing it
- alarm clock
- everyday shoes
- wallet

BASICALLY USELESS but Don't Want To Get Rid Of
- beads and bracelets + minimal jewelry
- photos
- paintings
- foam shoes
- houseplants
- fanny pack
- purselike things

THOUGHTS
This seems like a big list. I'm sure I'm forgetting things. All of it is stuff I use pretty regularly though. The footwear category in particular seems awfully massive, yet I can't really see doing away with any of it happily. I know a lot of people have a lot more stuff than me too.. it's no wonder we are overrun with stuff! And even with all this, I could probably put together a decent-sized list of stuff that I would like to have, given the funds (gps, kayak/canoe?, bike trailer..). Sadly, I am also going into a profession that tends to promote the accumulation of stuff - this list could get worse! I think I will make it a goal at least to get rid of whatever I come across that isn't on this list and isn't worthy of being added.. I think that will be an awful lot of stuff in itself. One of the problems I have is with duplicates in the form of old gear, particularly in the realm of camping gear (and bikes)... I tend to keep that stuff around because I do occasionally lend it out to other people and/or use it myself. And that is better than making those people who use such things rarely buy it themselves, is it not? The other big killer is old paperwork, old trinkets with some degree of sentimental value that I never actually touch, books that are probably not useful to me anymore, mostly-but-not-entirely-worn-out stuff I like -- I think these things may need to go. At least the "basically useless" category isn't Too big.

My tendency would be to go on for a good long paragraph about the lack of updating this blog has received. I am going to try to avoid that. Then again, maybe there is a point to be made there after all..

Whenever I start getting into all this environmental and social activism stuff more wholeheartedly, I find there are so many ups and downs to it... I see something that renews my hope that there are people trying to do something about all these problems then I get discouraged because there are so many problems and they are so big and it just seems too idealistic to think we can fight against them - perhaps that is why I haven't posted anything in so long. But lately I feel like activism is becoming more mainstream. I don't think it's just me who thinks that. It seems like the anti-corporation folks, the green movement, concerns about the actions and motivations of our governments, etc are really gaining momentum. And momentum is exactly what we need. All those positive and hopeful messages about the power of the people need momentum to come to fruition. And despite some degree of cynicism, I feel like this is really starting to happen. That is why I am back to posting. Even though I still don't feel like I have answers.

For now I am just going to post some new links to some information that I think is pretty important to consider..

ps. oh also.. good news! My blackspot shoes had holes in the bottom and I thought I would have to replace them, but thanks to some awesome "freesole" shoegoo, I patched up the holes and can now happily wear my shoes in puddles again. yay!