I have this plastic box in my computer room. It is 10 x 16 x 6 inches. Maybe you have something like it. Each piece of paper that I cannot get myself to throw in my garbage can goes into the box. When the box is full, I bring it out to my worktable and sort the papers, many of which go right into the garbage can.

Why am I bringing this up? Because in all likelihood, if I took an extra few seconds to think about what I am storing in the box, and if I had a handy file system for the papers, I wouldn’t need the plastic box.

Just how many handy files would I need? Since I just sorted all the papers from the box, I can tell you. The papers are divided into these general categories:

• Papers related to my mom.
• Papers related to genealogy.
• Bills that didn’t get filed in the bill files.
• Birthday and other occasion cards.
• Papers related to my grandson.
• Papers related to my kids.
• Pool store water analysis sheet.
• Photos.
• Manuals.
• Recipes.
• Receipts that were not stuffed into the receipt box.

Guess what I am going to do now? You’re right. I am going to set up hanging file folders for the assorted papers.

In the future, what will become of my plastic box once I take the few seconds to sort my various papers into my newly hung file folders?

I think I’ll keep that box handy. After all, it’s been a friend all these years. A friend that allows me to put off what I can do another day. Something is special about dumping a box of papers and sorting through it. I would miss that.

On second thought, those hanging file folders can wait.

What is in your plastic box?

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