I had forgotten that I am a box-aholic.

I must have spent three hours today in the garage organizing.  It really helped to set up the two six-foot folding tables on which to dump the contents of four large plastic boxes.  I set up my empty plastic shoeboxes to sort the contents.

Among the items I decided to save, were nine empty plastic jars that once contained a variety of nuts.  Why save them if I haven't used them in years?  I suppose I like the idea that one day I will think of things that will be just perfect in those jars.

There are the two shelves of small- to medium-sized cardboard boxes. They are waiting for just the right objects to mail. And there are boxes that hold boxes.

Throw out boxes?   I did throw out sixty plastic shoebox lids.  I am proud of that.  I don’t cover the plastic shoeboxes, stacking them one atop the other on cabinet shelves.  I once thought of making an artistic “collage” out of them.

I found two cute small white cardboard boxes and used them to hold my iPhone and protect it from water damage. One box is zip-tied to my pool ladder.

When the phone rings, I dry my hands with the adjacent towel and take the call, always leaning out of the pool.  The other box is taped to my nightstand. By placing my phone in it, I can keep a glass of water on the nightstand with impunity.

The nine empty plastic nut jars? They found a shelf to sit on — thanks to my brave decision to dump the shoebox lids.

I suppose it is fitting that one day my body will spend eternity in a box.  I wonder if I can ask for a plastic box — with a lid, of course.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com