Thanksgiving with Andrew and my family at my home was refreshing yet taxing in that it incurred much material for contemplation. For example, my home is full of stuff. Just stuff! Corners, closets, and crawl space hold piles and boxes of things that have not been used for years. The philosophy I so admire of having only things in one's home that are either beautiful or useful is not practiced at my childhood home. I often encourage and assist with clearing things out of certain areas when I visit, but I do not want to pose a judging presence. Such an image would be hypocritical, poorly received (especially by my father), and definitely not a display of the love and acceptance I feel for my family.
I too have many things in my closet that have not been used for years...I've significantly downsized, but is it necessary for me to remain attached to mementos? Do I find all the things I've kept beautiful or useful?
Food was one of the biggest occupants of my head over the weekend (well, most of the time, but especially during this holiday). I love going home because I have nearly endless resources for cooking and baking at my fingertips. It is heavenly. Spices, nuts, multiple types of flour...mmm, so good. But, then I go through my mail and read or skim through the numerous urgent notifications from Feeding America and End Hunger In Darfur and I feel guilt looking up at what is out on the cupboard...let alone in the 3 freezers and pantry. Is this bounty actually excess? Is is responsible to have all of this food? What is a socially responsible amount to purchase and consume? To which of these non-profit organizations should I contribute? If they are spending money to print and send me free notepads and return address labels, how much of the money sent in is actually going to those for whom the organization claims to provide support?
Then, last but not least...what to do with the massive amount of paper I do not keep? My parents do not recycle that material (though mom does take other products up to the recycling center about every two weeks), and I had about 15-18 letters that were packed with information, copied letters from refugees, return envelopes...definitely a full standard grocery bag's worth. Do I bring the paper back to Evansville to recycle? Do I pitch it at home (which I did and am feeling guilty about the decision)?
So much to learn.
