Don’t Let Anyone Take Away Your Big Box of Cables

Speaking of being on the internet and finding things that make you go, “Hey! It’s not just me!” I scrolled across this skeet from Tyler Gaw:

I just dug to the bottom of my Big Box of Cables to find two cables that I needed for something. They've been in the bottom for 10+ years. So, "when are you ever gonna use these?" was today. Don't ever let anyone take your Big Box of Cables away.

I laughed. I cried. I felt inspired.

So inspired, in fact, that I decided I was gonna do something about it.

Something that would make me forever remember the value of that advice.

• I screenshotted that skeet.
• I printed it (in black and white with the ole’ trusty Brother).
• I cut it out.
• I pulled out my big box of cables (the one my wife lovingly labeled “FAMILY TECHNO BOX”).
• I cut some clear packing tape.
• And I plastered that thing on the front on my box.

Now every time I pull that box out to add YAC (yet another cable), instead of asking myself, “Why do I keep this box?” I’ll see that skeet and I’ll be reminded why I do what I do. I’ll feel a spark of joy, motivation, and purpose rekindled. (Not to mention the fact that it will serve as a warning to anyone in the family who thinks “I should just throw this away…”)

One day my kids will find that box in the attic amongst my other belongings. I hope they will pay heed to the timeless advice lovingly taped on the outside.

<hr>


<p>
  Reply via:
  

  <a href="mailto:jimniels%2Bblog@gmail.com?subject=Re:%20blog.jim-nielsen.com/2026/hands-off-my-cables/">Email</a>
  · <a href="https://mastodon.social/@jimniels">Mastodon</a> ·

  <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jim-nielsen.com">Bluesky</a>
</p>