My house is not what you would call tidy. Well, my room is (relatively at least), but let’s just say we have nothing to fear should a natural disaster arise and self-sufficiency be required. Unless it’s an earthquake. Then we’re screwed.

One example is our couch. Its design has so many nooks and crannies that, should you take a seat, it will almost inevitably provide what you need. The couch will provide. Last night we went to play Pictionary and before you knew it, a couple of pens had emerged from its folds. This is just your typical stuff though. Earlier in the evening, just as it was getting dark, Bartleby, sitting on the couch, was holding a torch. We looked at him.

“Where’d you get that from?”

He looked uncertain.

We sagely nodded at each other. “The couch will provide.”

So, good story? Yeah, a bit middling. I might just resort to a picture.

Where to begin. Well, that big pink thing in the top corner? I think it’s one of those L-shaped pillows. By the way, it is actually possible to reach that computer. There’s a small gap between the second chair and pile of boxes and bins there. As long as you are very skinny, you can squeeze through and then walk across the old papers and you’re good. Unless there’s a fire. Then you’re screwed.

Now, recently our favourite person linked to a couple of examples that humbled me. Our mess is nothing. Not compared to Crazy eBay Mom. And not compared to Kimmy from Squalor Survivors. I suggest you take the time to read through them a bit – you have to let it sink in to really appreciate it.

And this is the funny thing about the internet. It provides so many windows into so many worlds. Livejournals are one example. And it is great, because it teaches us many things. One, that these things are indeed possible – never underestimate the human being. Two, perhaps we might catch ourselves saying “how ridiculous, I would never let it go that far” and we could learn humility (reality?). And lastly, that no matter how bad we have it, someone is probably much worse off than us. And hey, they’re doing something about it. What’s our excuse?