What’s in the box?

Before I had a chance to open the box, a distraction of a more mundane nature reared its ugly head. That’s right, work! So the box sat unopened, but never far from my mind, for a few days while I was otherwise occupied.
What is it about an unopened box that so intrigues and interests us? I knew what I’d ordered, and I assumed that’s what was in the box, but what if it wasn’t? What if they’d made a mistake and shipped a pair of riding boots that, just coincidentally, fit perfectly and looked great as well? Or worse, what if a critical component wasn’t in the box but backordered for delivery some time in August? What if… ? And so we let our imaginations wander, playing these little games, knowing that the only way to be really sure is to open the box.
But not knowing for sure also has an appeal. It’s like Christmas that way. Sure you could rip the wrapping off, tear open the package, and see what’s inside. But do you? Most people will feel the package, shake it, turn it over in their hands as if looking for a label that says, “It’s a pair of socks, dummy!”, even smell it. Of course few external inspections actually result in knowing the contents, but for a few seconds you let the anticipation enhance the experience, and then you shred the wrapping.
Which I finally did earlier this week, only to be slightly disappointed that the box contained exactly what I’d ordered - nothing more and nothing less than the new stainless cables and brake line along with sundry clips, gaskets, and washers for installation.


They are now installed, along with the stock bars that I put back on which also accomplished one of my New Years’ objectives.  But the diversion was short lived, and with lots of snow and ice still on the ground I now need to find something else to work on, or better yet, pick one of the many projects lined up that never seem to get started.