Have you ever watched one of those nature documentaries about colorful island birds that organize and reorganize their nests, looking for the perfect design of twig and leaf? They chirp, they flit, they bounce, and they gather until the nest becomes a Platonic form shining in an abstract firmament. Well, that’s me. I don’t seem to have OCD or any particular neurosis, but I was a consummate builder of Lego structures in my youth. It was Legos, Legos, and Legos. I derive pleasure is spatial rearrangement.

I have a few stacks of student papers coming in this week; a grading marathon is in the works. I need space. I need typewriters. I need the right typewriters, just so, and I need elbow room. Today I brought some mineral spirits and brushes to work for some typewriter maintenance. I also acquired, somehow successfully navigating the world of educational bureaucracy, a tall chair to complement typing posture. (Note to self: type over the typewriter, not under it.) I also have a typewriter event coming up at the library at the end of the month. Paper? Check. New ribbons? Check. Arsenal of portables under the desk? Check.

So this photo shows the Command Center as it currently stands. Now if I can just get rid of the damn computer.