I Have a Problem

I have a problem. I'm not really sure when it started. I'm not sure how many years it's gone on. I'm not really sure what is at the root of my problem. However, I have a real problem. My problem is that I have way too many office supplies.

Now, those of you who know me were probably thinking I was talking about one of my many other issues. However, I think this problem somehow got really out of control and I didn't even realize it. As I've been packing, I realize that some where along the way I have accumulated boxes and boxes of office supplies that I couldn't possibly use in my lifetime. My Mom also pointed out to me how many office supplies I have. Until she did, I'm not sure I realized what I had.

I have enough paperclips that I could link them together and wrap around the earth seven times. I have enough pens, pencils, markers, gel pens and Sharpies to give one to everyone in Anderson County so they would have something with which to write. I have a huge box of pushpins and I don't even have a bulletin board. I have envelopes and fancy stationary that would allow me to send a letter to everyone in America each month for a year. I have boxes of staples and mailing labels. I have computer disks and endless supplies of tape. I could leave myself a note on a Post-It every day for the next hundred years and still not use them all up. If you can't tell, I have a problem.

Like I said, I'm not sure when it all started. When I was in the local church, I often bought my own office supplies because most of the churches I served could only afford the basics. So, I would treat myself to some special pens that I really liked to write with. I also accumulated a lot of office supplies when I was working to start a new church in South Bend. I guess I thought I needed all of this stuff because I was both the pastor and the secretary. I remember making lots of runs to Staples during those days. Evidently I didn't realize that I was hoarding office supplies like someone who lived through the Great Depression hoards canned goods.

I think it also doesn't help that I really like to go to office supply stores. I love to browse through the pens. I like looking at latest colors of Post-It notes. I sometimes find myself in a trance when look at the specialty paper. I don't know why, but I could spend hours looking at binder clips and filing products. It's sick. I know. But I guess at least now I've admitted that I have a problem. Also, since I've been trying to be more fiscally responsible, I rarely ever go to office supply stores any more.

So, one thing I'm definitely going to try to do is get rid of some of these office supplies as I prepare to make my move to Cincinnati. I'm sure there are folks who could use them. Be watching your mailbox. I may just send everyone in America a letter.

Thanks for being a part of my very strange journey!