I could fit my life into a small bag. But what about old books?

In recent years my family moved several times, and every move was a reminder of how much crap there is in our household. From kitchenware to hundreds of books — there’s a lot. And maybe it’s not crap. I don’t want to criticize my wife for accumulating all this stuff. She’s the tidy one in our family, always chasing everyone about their chores.

Or am I having a subtle go at my wife?

The thing is, I could fit my life into a small bag. During all my recent travels, I’ve only taken with me this carry-on bag. It’s not even my bag. I borrowed it from one of my kids.

All of my running clothes are in it, including an extra pair of running shoes, a pair of jeans and a shirt, if there is a possibility of a business meeting, and my laptop, of course.

Because I’m usually in California or Florida, I don’t need warm clothes, but that consideration aside, I truly don’t need many material things in my life. It’s not that I am cheap or live a very austere life. My life is very rich in its intensity and experiences. The very fact that I am referring to California and Florida points to how I enjoy these lovely places. Still, I have no attachment to material possessions.

This morning I was helping my parents clean the garage, which is apparently not…