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

2026-09-09

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.

Photo of a cardobard box with cables hanging out of it. There is handwriting on the box with a sharpie that says “FAMILY TECHNO BOX”. There is also a print out of a skeet taped over the box that says (amongst other things): “Don’t ever let anyone take your Big Box of Cables away.”

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.