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Whatchamacallit 119: Maps, Maps, Maps (to be deaccessioned)

Maps

While most people cleaned their homes during the first few weeks of lockdown, I was slammed, workwise – so I maintained my new normal without much boredom:

  • 0515 or 0530: Alarm, get dressed.
  • Thereafter, a walk of at least 10,000 steps, taking at least 90 minutes.
  • Shower
  • Breakfast
  • Work for six hours
  • Nap
  • Entertainment of some kind: reading books, watching YouTube, Zooming with friends.
  • 2100: In bed, lights out by no later than 2230.
  • Repeat.

Essentially, I missed the great spring cleaning of 2020. I’ve not cleaned my spice collection, I’ve not gone through every nook and cranny, getting rid of stuff.

Until now.

Work is busy, but reduced ever so slightly. Thus, I have the time to notice that I have too much crap.

Like the pile of maps above: For years, whenever I returned from a trip, I would take maps acquired, stick them in a container, then before my next trip to the area, I would dig out the maps and take them with me to guide me.

Except something changed: Google Maps became downloadable (reducing data constraints) and international data plans made it feasible to rely on the phone for directions.

Going through my massive collection, I discovered I had maps for South Africa from my first trip there: I never even checked for these before I went a second time. The Gay Guide to Prague and the Czech Republic – I doubt much of the 2004 information is remotely relevant today. What about Santa Fe, New Mexico?

I thought not.

The paper recycling bin awaits these lovely, albeit dated, maps.


During the Covid-19 crisis, I am going to try and make a point of writing a blog post about an object in my home.

We’ll see how long this lasts.

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