Sometimes I happen to see one of those articles or blog posts about people who sell 90% of their stuff and move into a camper van or a tiny cottage or a river boat, and then live a minimalist life there, and evangelise about how happy it has made them.

Now I am not particularly fond of “stuff” and I can easily imagine having less of it and being happy about it. And I can imagine living happily in fewer and smaller rooms than we currently have. But a small kitchen? Never! Cooking in a cramped kitchen is frustrating and takes most of the joy out of cooking. A large sink is a must, as is a large cutting board, and enough counter space for both the cutting board and all the ingredients and utensils around it. And enough space around the kitchen table so that one can walk around people sitting there without squeezing.

I finally had a haircut today.

It might not look like there’s much of a difference. That was Eric’s reaction at least. Short hair, shorter hair… But the difference is in the details. I no longer have to tuck outgrown hair behind my ears, and my neckline is clean.