Even the RICH Dumpster Dive!

Everyone loves a deal and when the deal is...FREE even the wealthiest dumpster dive! Listen to this!
NPR: Town Dump New, Chic Place!

Here are the Dumpster Numbers

Just a quick note to tell you that most of my "department store" dumpster diving treasures have sold on ebay. Craigslists skunked me. So ebay it was and the grand total after shipping costs, ebay costs and paypal costs = $126.88.

Ebay = $126.88
Consigned clothes = $40
Shoes = $10

$176.88

Now, I still have 2 dressers to fix up, several other pieces of furniture and clothes at area consignment shops that haven't sold yet.

In a nutshell - this takes time. It was all free - but to make $ off it will take time.

I have decided that dumpster diving is like mushroom hunting. You get excited when you come across those morels! Then, if lucky you find a whole lotta morels; you have pounds and pounds of these mushrooms that you love! Then you eat them and get tired of it. Earthy, expensive, tasty morels become boring. So you sell your extras to the coop or chefs and make a few bucks off your hobby. Then you do it all over next season.

Mother Alert:
My Korean mother was over and well...

Mom: (looking around, nose wrinkled...) "Annie, (only mother calls me that) did you CLEAN before Mommy come ober? I mean...serious-uh-ly? It lookie like thurupt store."

Dad: "...."

Me: "Yes I cleaned! And...well...my couches just look huge in this living room is all."

Mom: (looking at my art work) "Hm." (touches the frame and painting) "Thisuh is fake. Why you likey junk? Did Mommie raise you?"

Me: "Uhm. I am going to make something out of that."

Dad: "....."

Mom: "Annie. No more trash can looking or whatever you doing. Mommie don't likey it."

Me: "Mom. The only dumpster diving thing I have here is...that plant shelf..."

Mom: "I don't like it. Tacky."

Me: "...that painting, these fabulous ugg boots and I sold everything else or gave it away."

Mom: "I have better plant stand Mommie gibbu you. This one (touches it, eyeing it suspiciously because it was...in the trash) is no good."

Me: "Mom. You might want to pace yourself on the criticism. You still have a couple of days to go."

Dad: "hahahaha!"

Mom: (looks at Dad)

Dad: "ha....h....nevermind."

Now, if only I can manipulate her to get that Korean chest and cabinet! Mwhaha ha ha

Selling What's Thrown Away

Uhm. This has been kind of a pain. Selling things. In fact, I am figuring out that stuff, in general, is a pain. So I have two items I found in the dumpster - CLEAN - mind you, on ebay and one item on Craigslist.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kitchen-Aid-Mixer-Paddle-and-Dough-Hook_W0QQitemZ260247737013QQihZ016QQcategoryZ20679QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Oops. The Kitchen Aid Blade Set isn't showing up...

Craigslist:
http://pullman.craigslist.org/hsh/706808866.html

I want to see which of these sites is easiest to work with and sell on. Granted, it is not an scientific experiment at all. It is a Suexperiement!

I have made $30 from my dumpster haul. Yeah. I know. $30. But $30 more than I had before right? I sold two pairs of men's shoes and some misc. items at a consignment shop. The furniture hasn't sold at these shops yet. Guess it isn't the season...but come AUGUST I will be loaded! (optimist!)

The other reason I have made so little is because I got lazy. I just threw the treasures into the shop and took a nap. Now, every time I look at the dresser I plan to refinish, the chairs I plan to fix, etc. I take another nap. The weight of stuff is heavy on my back.

I know why we throw it away. We cleanse our environment of clutter and feel good and free of it. Well, until we load ourselves up again with stuff.

And TIME. Stuff takes time to manage, take care of...

With that said. I went dumpster diving again. I found some great women's shoes and jeans. I have an easy answer for these! Off to the consignment shop and to friends.

If I am not going to make a fortune out of dumpster diving - I will at least have saved items from the landfill by donating them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. In fact, I do get perks from this in the form of tax deduction...so far I have racked up $325 in donations!

UPDATE: I am getting skunked on Craigslist. Possibly moving item to ebay. I have several watchers on my items and even some bids! This may be worth the effort after all!

Warning About Dumpster Diving

Technically it is theft. Theoretically, no one cares. But if someone does and calls the Police you can get a ticket (depending on your town's laws). Now, if you are DUMPING you get a Theft of Services ticket.

I learned this the other day.

No. I didn't get ticketed but a co-worker read in the paper that someone did.

Personally, my diving hunting has slowed down. I took a good look at all the stuff I have accumulated and realized why people throw it out! So I am focusing on fixing things up and selling or donating things off. I just got WIFI at home so ebay, craigslist here I come!

Here is a photo from a fellow Treasure Diver. All items were found in or next to a dumpster. This lucky college student is now fully prepared to study hard! What a lovely desk and they were going to throw it out!

The Story of Stuff: Watch This!

Every wonder how all your stuff got to you, and what happens to it when you throw it away? If you have 20 minutes this is well worth your time!



And for more resources and information visit
The Story of Stuff website

Robin Rilette's Dumpster Diving Education

Robin: (giggling) "I did some scanning and already found some nice shoes, a handbag and other stuff! We have to go back to that dumpster!"

Robin met me after I finished hosting All Things Considered. I looked at her treasures and noticed the fake Chanel, white, gold chained handbag.

Sueann: "OMG! This is Chanel...fake but sweet!"
Robin: "And look at this cute stuffed cow!"
Sueann: "OK. This was an Asian dumpster. I can tell."
Robin: (curious at my insight) "Oh really? How do you know?"
Sueann: "Saccharin cute overstuffed cow? Fake Chanel, fabulous shoes? Has to be. The only thing that would confirm is a Hello Kitty item..."
Treasure Diving Partner: "Well, then I guess that blows your theory that Asians never throw anything away huh?"
Sueann: (choosing words carefully) "....Well. My mother is Asian and SHE never throws anything away. OK let's get busy!"



Robin was thrilled. She was amazed and upset at what she saw. We hit her dumpster and happen to be by a couple of Sororities. We found beautiful clothes and decoration items. Bags and bags full of shampoo and other cosmetic products - which we left behind.

Robin: "OMG! What is wrong with these people???? This is brand new!"
Sueann: "Shhh! Keep it down man. We don't want to be discovered. "
Robin: "Oh right. I guess I should keep my voice down..."



I went to another dumpster and found some adorable throw pillows. Nicely packed in garbage bag. The dumpster smelled so pretty! Calvin Klein, Bath and Body Works Peony, Liz Claiborne perfumes swirling in garbage. Then I looked up and saw a very disapproving old man. He was standing above me with his arms folded, shaking his head at me. I smiled and shrugged, grabbed the pillows and headed back to where Robin was.



Sueann: "Time to leave. Let's go. There's and old man watching us."

Robin had a very successful first night out and I do believe she has gone out by herself since! She said to me in a giggle, "This is the most exciting hobby I've had in years!"



TDP and I went across the border to Idaho. College was out there and we wanted to see what we could find. Compared to Washington's side - nothing to write about.

I also went to visit family in Puyallup. Took Dad out at 5:30am to see what we could find. I had high hopes for this because of the insane amount of strip malls and major shopping centers.

Nothing. Bone dry.

Dad: (laughing) "It's like going trick or treating and getting an apple out here!"
Sueann: "I am really bummed out man. I really thought we could find some sweet stuff."

Mother: "I didn't tink so baby. Mommy know. In country side (anything on the East of the Cascades) it is more lenient. Here. They lock up. No home-uh-less person digging here."

She was right. We drove to 3 strip malls and one major shopping center and I would say 80% of the dumpsters were locked or of some trash compacting type. Those that were open were filled with real trash.

Of coarse - the rule of dumpster diving is you must visit a dumpster often.

I will let you know how much I make off ebay and or Craigslist when I put things up for sale. I am curious to find out how much one can make, donate and create with this hobby.

NOTE: Our Dear Ms. Coldsnow is lucky. She has biological minions to dive for her - patrolling locations, gleaning treasures! I just want you to know that our Morning Edition host caught the bug too! ;)

UPDATE: Guess what I found? Remember how upset I was about losing a dresser? I left it in an alley and someone took it? Well. I found another one on my way to work! SCORE!



And my TDP was about to buy a used microwave for $20 when I found this for him! Ask and you shall recieve! It was bleeding red sauce but with a little elbow grease we discovered a perfecly fine microwave.



Stories on NPR: Dumpster Diving Treasures as Gifts?

LISTENER CONTRIBUTION: Lisa from Moscow sent me this picture of her dumpster finds!

Taking Her Out To Trash!

I am taking Robin Rilette out tonight for treasure diving. She was curious about my findings and well, maybe my brand new Ugg Boots convinced her too. Retail for $164! Best part? They fit!




Robin: "It just makes me sick what is thrown away! You know what else? It is disrespectful of the person who made those boots. Can you imagine? The person who made those boots is barely making a living wage and some girl bought 'em and threw them away. Unbelievable."

Sueann: "Whoa. You have a great point but on the flip side...what if the Ugg Abondoner is giving the manufacturer job security? I mean...Ugg Abandoner is going to buy another pair in the Fall right?"

Robin: "Good point. But it is so wasteful."

Sueann: "Which is something else I've been thinking about. I heard that companies calculate how many products will be sold at full price, sale price and how many will be, quote, donated. So they have figured how many items can be discarded while still making a profit."

Robin: "And we pay for that huh?"

Sueann: " I guess... unless you DUMPSTER DIVE!!!!" (Sueann does dance in Ugg boots)

But am I hurting the economy? I wanted Ugg boots since...oh it became fashionable for girls to wear huge sweatpants and Ugg boots (so comfy looking and terrible) and I was about to buy some when I was in Australia. But. The price. $150. I could have spent that $150 to stimulate the economy. Is dumpster diving Un-American? Wait! Is driving only one car for 10 years Un-American? Is wearing my 1994 brown leather biker jacket with zippers everywhere Un-American? (Friend recently said, 1980's but still OK. You pull it off.) Because it seems to me that we need to spend to be good citizens.

On another note, I had a great conversation with Rick Finch, Manager of Fac-Ops Waste Management at W.S.U. I asked him about the Move Out Pitch In bins around campus.



Apparently, the waste was noticed and they started this program.

Mr. Finch says the items are shared among several non-profits around the region. When I asked him why not have more around the outlining apartment complexes he said, "Limited resources and time. Our main concern is the campus and immediate areas. It is also a jurisdictional and financial issue. We also have a limited number of groups and they got pretty much all they can handle right now. But in the future, if more groups want to participate and work this we could expand."



Mr. Finch also had a good point about college students. He basically said that students moved their belongings over here one car load at a time - over several years. Then when graduation comes they didn't think that all their stuff had to fit in that same little car!

I'll be sure to post pictures of my Fair, Morning Classical Music Host and Music Director, Robin Rilette in the trash!

Here are some blogs to check out. I highly recommend Everyday Trash to see how the rest of the world dives...to survive.

Everyday Trash

My Dumpster Dive Blog

Remember to Take a Buddy - Poor Senator!

Who Stole My Trash? What Am I Doing With This?

Another rule of "Treasure Diving" is to put your booty away and not leave it in the alley...because it disappears. I was upset when I came home and the white dresser was gone. I thought, "Someone stole my dresser! The dresser I worked so hard to shove in my car! The dresser that has been in my family for 2 days! How dare they???"



Then I took a deep breath, looked around and figured they probably thought I didn't want it because it was out in the alley, near the garbage can. Doh!

So Sueann's Supplement Dumpster Diving Rule: Keep treasures away from the curb and store in a secure place.

I'm over it now. Sort of. I am trying to figure out how to fall in love with that other dresser I picked up. The ugly one. I'm sorta imagining it as an arranged marriage that an Asian father set up saying to his daughter, "He has personality if you can get past the looks."



You may have been wondering what I plan on doing with all the stuff right? Well. I WAS going to shabby chic that white dresser...but I have let that go now. Instead I will use an old window and The Other dresser to make some sweet piece of...something.

Some of the pants will become Tote Bags. Like this one I sewed up. You can wear it while riding your bike and it has many pockets to lose things in.



I plan on doing a little anecdotal experiment with craigslist, ebay and local ads to see which leads to a the first sale of the Kitchen Aid attachments.

And then there's the "What Was I Thinking" category of stuff.



I could take the fatigues and sew something...but camo is so 2005! I could make a Fairy Garden with the monster toys I found - have the monsters pillaging the Fairy Village, but I think that's disturbing. So instead, a whole lot of stuff will be donated.



My "Treasure Diving" partner helped save me from a "What Was I Thinking" potential problem. You see...I picked up a Free Organ - Lawrence Welk edition. I thought I could learn to play it, host mini concerts for my friends and maybe play at the Moscow Farmer's Market and have Robin Rilette sing! But TDP (Treasure Diving Partner) had this look of "This is never going to happen." So I called my Dad. He said, "This is never going to happen. Donate it." So off it went to inspire others.

I have to admit that during the "Treasure Diving" I experienced many feelings. Euphoria at the discovery of things I like, disgust at the waste, entrepreneurial dreams, and greed.

Veteran dumpster divers have a great suggestion for this - take only what you need or can pass on.


And leave things for other creatures and humans too.

More to come!

Weekend Full of Waste and Treasure - Dumpster Diving Experience

Mom: "WHAT are you doing? Oh my Ga! What you do? Mommy says stop that now! Oh my Ga... Don't you have a job baby? I mean, what's the matter with you???!!!!!"

I went dumpster diving and my mother called. Friday night. I have been training her for years not call on Friday nights - but I guess you can't change your mother. Friday night, when most are doing traditionally fun Friday night things, I am...looking for treasure in the trash!



Me: "Mom, calm down...it's OK. It's not like I am touching anything gooey or diving in a medical receptacle!" (That didn't help.)

I told my mom that I needed both hands for this endeavor and I would call her tomorrow. She hung up without saying goodbye. I looked at my partner in filth and said, "She's really REALLY upset about this."

Of coarse, it would have helped if I started out by saying I was doing this for my NWPR Blog. (evil giggle) But sometimes I like to freak my mother out! Mwha ha ha ha!

My Mother's reaction is very common. When you think of Dumpster Diving you imagine the down and out scavenging for food - anything to survive. You don't imagine they would find anything of real value - or what you find valuable. Does this have value to you?



Many Americans wouldn't imagine ever finding these brand new Kitchen Aid Food Processor Attachments in a dumpster. Who would throw these away? The items in the above picture are worth at least $70. Retail

Or how about a brand new down feather bed? Brand name $98 jacket? Various KitchenAid Mixer attachments? Brand new sheets? Not all department stores donate their wares.



I was inspired to fully explore Dumpster Diving this year because of the reports I have heard on NPR.
Here is an interview with a woman who wants to marry chic with scavenging!

And maybe you saw the video from my last post about the New York couple who get their food from a dumpster?



I didn't experiment with food diving...yet. That is later in the week. Frankly, I was exhausted from Dumpster Diving because... I GOTS ME SOME TREASURE!!!!!

My hands are sore. I have a couple of bruises, my apartment is stuffed with "garbage!" So the food experiment will have to wait. Here are some of the items I found.

Old gas BBQ - I left it and someone else took it away later in the day.


Disco Ball Baby! Lots of wires that my Dumpster Diving Partner could use, a cement power drill and ... another BBQ. I found 3 very nice BBQs.


A couple of broken chairs that I will repair and pass on, two nice bar stools. When I was pulling these out of an apartment complex dumpster a guy came up to me.


Guy: "Hey. What you doing?"
Me: "....check out this chair man! There's a TV in there ( saw 3 TVs that night )!
Guy: "Yeah. It's a real shame the things people throw away. Man. If I wasn't moving out of here next week I would do what you are doing."
Me: "Yeah. It's amazing what you can find."

He moved on. You're probably wondering what do you do when someone sees you?
Dumpster Divers have rules. I researched online that you do the following.

BE SAFE - no sketchy dumpsters, medical dumpsters...etc.

1. Have a partner because lids can drop on top of you and things can be heavy
2. Wear protection - gloves and full clothing.
3. Spend only 2 minutes or less looking in a dumpster. If you don't see anything that catches your eye leave.
4. If it takes longer than 2 minutes to remove an item - leave.
5. If someone tells you to leave - leave and never return
6. Know if this is illegal in your town. Most places it is not. But respect trespassing signs and never open a locked dumpster.
7. Always leave it cleaner than you found it.
8. If someone asks what you are doing, "I'm looking for boxes." Then be willing to leave behind your finds.

Barely used cooler with wheels, tiki torches and an old fire pit grill that is now yard art!


I found a lot of furniture and only picked up a few pieces. I have this thing about furniture. I like it. I like fixing them up and perhaps gifting them or selling them at consignment shops.


I found one dumpster near a huge apartment complex that was stuffed with barely used clothing and shoes. I pulled out this enormous duffle bag and it was full of men's size 13 Nike shoes. Barely worn! My Diving Partner found a bag full of women's size 8 shoes...including Sketchers and Michele K sports shoes.


Here are a pair of shoes rescued from Landfill. These shoes retail for $75 on sale now for $50.


My co-worker, Robin Rilette, was uneasy when I told her what I did for the weekend. I have a feeling, she is shocked by what I found and thinking...how wasteful Americans are. But Wait! There's more!

Very nice clothes including a GAP jean jacket.


Outdoor Bar that needs one leg fixed (got a pal who can do that) and wash the cover!


This amused me. Recycling bin in the trash, next to paper, next to barley worn shoes.


More furniture...


I had to drop off a key at Thom Kokenge's and this was after a round of "Rescuing Things." He was amazed! Except with one of my arty pieces. It is now hanging artwork on someone's garage! Out of the landfill - safely above a garbage can - viewed by alley cats and happy to be reused.




Tomorrow I will share my thoughts about this experience and what I plan to do with my found treasures. Oh. And I will share my convesation with my mother - who lost a night's sleep because of me!

What Are You Doing Tonight Sueann? Dumpster Diving.

Your Friendly, Local, All Things Considered Host here...soon to be in your dumpster. Come Monday I will tell you all about my Dumpster Diving experience! Will I find food AND eat it? Will I find anything good? Will I get an infection? Touch something questionable and gooey? How far will I go to bring you this story and share the experience? My digital camera and camcorder will tell...just don't tell my Mother.

Built From Trash

I have been thinking about reusing - how to look at something and reuse for another thing. For example. How can you look at an old bicycle and think lawn furniture? Brilliant!

Well I got to thinking about houses. Are there homes out that reused other things? Then I found this site. Two grandmas making a house out of junk!
Built From Trash

I then found this home on Colorado. All recycled materials.

Read about it here

Do you know of other homes in the area like this?

I Don't Need More Stuff! Why Is the Mall Closed?

Over the weekend I saw the John Butler Trio at the Big Easy in Spokane. They. Were. Amazing. It is such a pleasure to listen to talented musicians who have humility and genuine love for their art and fans. Check out the video. My favorite part: Life's Not About What's Better Than!



I think this song is a theme for what NPR has been covering; The environment. How much do we need to consume? What about our food? I had no idea that beef used up so many resources. Pork is better? Really? Listen to this interview that was on Day to Day.

I know. If we really thought about all our choices and life - respiration would be un-green. I heard someone on the radio say, "Why should we consume less? Live more green if India and China won't think about it too?" What do you think?

WINDOW INTO SUEANN'S LIFE:
After a great weekend, hearing this lovely concert, not buying anything at the clearance section of Macy's...I found myself aimlessly wandering Ross. I had an arm full of stuff. Nothing important to mention. I put it away. The mall closed. I walked out into the parking lot and thought...why do businesses close at 5pm on Sundays!? So I went to Walmart and aimlessly wandered the isles. I bought pupperoni for my dog.

I drove home and thought to myself... It is easier to buy and consume than to create. I had to get a consumer hit.

9 Year Old Crosses the Street! Gasp!

I was glued to the radio today. Talk of the Nation had Lenore Skenazy...Read Article... as a guest. She let her 9 year old son take the subway home. In New York. By himself. With no cell phone, and the possibility that he would have to ask a stranger for help.

At first, I was taken aback. In New York? The kid could have been (insert nightmare here) and how would the mother have felt then?

Well. Of coarse Lenore would have felt horrified. Silly question. What we really want to say is...I don't think you are a good parent because you are putting your son in danger.

Danger? Lenore gives various stats on the crimes and random acts of violence in N.Y. Seems times are like the 60s now. Apparently, letting your kid out doors in N.Y. is similar to letting them out in Boise.

I remember fondly riding my bike all over Base Housing on McChord AFB. I would be gone for hours discovering new places. I remember discovering two horses that lived behind the Base Housing fence. I fed them grass and touched their noses. I remember finding out where all my classmates lived. Sarah Love and Michelle were neighbors! No wonder they were best friends! I remember finding new playgrounds and realizing my block playground was the best. It had the best acorn trees, that's what we called oaks. I had a watch and knew what time I had to be home.

I had a sense of freedom. I was able to exercise skills my teachers and parents had been teaching me. I had some independence and it was exhilarating!

When I was 9 my mother started to worry about strangers abducting me. I wasn't allowed to go outside as much. When I was 12 I begged my mother to let me walk the 3 blocks to the Feed Store. I wanted some penny candy. She said no. It was too dangerous because the store was next to a busy road.

Luckily, my father convinced her otherwise and I had that wonderful feeling of independence again! And I hate to admit this, but I had that same sense of independence and freedom when I bought my own bar of Irish Spring soap in college. Yup. I was pretty protected. I won't go into being grounded my senior year for 3 months, or having a 10pm curfew, or never being allowed to go to a sleep over...I'm not bitter. (Dad was working abroad)

I don't have children yet and know ideas and feelings change when you do. But I would love for my kids to have that wonderful feeling of independence. I know it will depend on the kid, his maturity and ability...but I think kids are smarter and safer then we think...or rather, allow them to be.

My friend, Mr. Davies, said when he was 9 years old he was running his Dad's grocery store. By 12 he was working the books. Of coarse, that was back in the 1930s. Do we make 9 year olds like that anymore?

I am very curious to hear your stories and thoughts. Read the article and let's discuss! But one thing. Please don't tell me, "You'll see" or "You'll find out when..." That right belongs to my Mother.

Super Thursday Pictures Last Hour

Talking strategy with the producer and then....



getting on the air to tell you that....



My partner, Rita Brown, is hinting at....that.....(wait for it...)



You DID it! (playing Earth, Wind Fire's You're a Superstar) We hit the goal of 2200 pledges! In fact, MORE came in as we were speaking. About $266,000 in ONE DAY! Super Thursday is a success!



The volunteers in the studio go wild! We also had volunteers in the Murrow Addition building still taking pledges.



Thank you to all who contributed. Big thanks if you mail in your contribution prior to the drive because we really do rely on that annual gift. Thank you if you became a new member with us because we need to have you on board. And thank you for renewing your membership because it is with your support we can air the great shows you enjoy!

Go Team!
Sueann

PS here is a little Pre-Super Thursday Super Friends encouragement.

Autism, Vaccines and Jenny McCarthy?

I read this article on CNN.com and did a quick search for other sites. I am interested in this article for many reasons.
1. Sometimes we just settle for what professionals tells us to. Maybe we should challenge some more?
2. Food is very important.
3. Don't Panic (where's my towel?)
4. Big Pharma is very powerful. Ever wonder why we make money off of bad health?

What struck me the most was the number of vaccines babies take now. According to Jenny McCarthy, and yes I realize the source, in the 1980's we took 10 vaccines by age 5. Now, 32 vaccines by age 2. WHOA!

Tell me what you think?

The World CLock

Visually fascinating to see the statistics click away the time....

http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

Bruno Ramella and Lessons from the Great Depression

My Pappy, Bruno, is a real Italian American. He has large ears, a large schnoz, a temper and eats well. I always thought it was tight with him money - and didn't think that was nice. Nice? What does that have to do with money? Well. Grandma had to drive a super old car for decades DECADES because Pap said they didn't need another. This car was so old it had moss growing in the window slits and was practically rusting away. OH. And he would be upset if she used the air conditioning because it used up gas. But he would turn it on for guests in the car - they live in Florida.

But recently I heard a story from my Mom about Pap. Here's how it played out.

Phone rings: Hello?
Mom: "It's Mommy. The reason Daddy grew up in a trailer is because Grandpa didn't want to owe anyone money..."

Me: "Oh Mom. Did I hurt Dad's feelings because I called him trailer trash? I was only kidding...and celebrating his heritage!"

Mom: "No. Not really. But I wanted to tell you story. Grandpa's Daddy lost his house in the Depression you know? So he lost everything they have. Your Grandpa remember this and said he would neber lose like that. So when he bought the land he also buy trailer to live in. Then as he got money he start to build his own house."

Me: "Whoa. That's why he built his own home? So he wouldn't owe anyone any money!?"

Mom: "Yes. He remember the Depression time. You know Baby, that was hard time. He was a kid and had to work...he would deliver milk and bring his mommy cream and give her his quarter...he would buy food and he was only a kid."

Me: "Oh wow."

Mom: "Yeah. So see? There was reason Daddy lived in a trailer."
Dad: (in the distance) "I never lived in the trailer! I was born after the house was built!"

Me: "So really...I have no trailer trash heritage."

Mom: "I think you miss Mommy's point."

So Dear Reader... can you be that patient and avoid owing? It seems to me that in order to have American comforts we must carry American debts. Sueann's Magical Quick Math-estimator indicates it would take me 3 years to save up for my car - $17,000 Hyundai Tuscon with 10 year bumper to bumper warranty and free tires for life (good deal huh)- and that's IF I only had a $500 rent payment and $200 in other expenses ok make it $350 in other expenses cause baby's got a shoe addiction...

Anyway - YEARS to buy my car out right cash.

Pap and the Family lived in a tiny trailor for about 2-3 years. The kids slept on the dining room benches. I have a feeling today's Child Protection Services would be upset at that...

But they were happy, fed well and warm. Eventually, they had their house - that Pap and Nanny owned outright. They never had a mortgage payment in their lives. Who can say the same now?

With the mortgage crisis and the shared veins that trouble has with various banking institutions, it is amazing we have not hit the Depression. If we did, how many of us would learn the lesson of credit?

But maybe a more realistic question is: How long can you go without in order to have it for real?

Not very long.

Couldn't Work. Had to Listen to Robert Schimmel

There are few interviews that I am motivated by, moved by and given direction by. Normally, those interviews are by Terry Gross of Fresh Air. Comic Robert Schimmel. He survived cancer.
Worth the 40 minutes to listen
What I got from this interview is.
1. Get over yourself and pettiness. Life is too short to waste
2. The hardest trials have the richest rewards
3. Attitude is everything
4. If you know what you want and need, get it.

Upset and Helping

This upset me

This is what I did to help and feel better about it

Thanks Day to Day and NPR for reminding me that I live an extraordinary life compared to millions of women. I give thanks for my blessings and the capability to help.

Executive Function and Urge to Slap Rising!

Scene: Dallas Airport at one of the many mini Starbucks in the American Airlines Hub. Ordering coffees at Starbucks, now nicknamed Fourbucks.

Actors: Myself, your friendly All Things Considered host; My Father, your half Italian, Pittsburgh Stealers fan, Magellan antithesis; A disheveled, angry faced mother and her two terrors; A very stylish, mid 40s woman.

What happens next clearly indicates the children are lacking in executive functions learned during old fashion child's play; "good self-regulation, able to control their emotions and behavior, resist impulses, and exert self-control and discipline." (stated by NPR's Alix Spiegel)Hear the report HERE.

In other words, these kids were loud, overly emotional, hitting each other and their mother, unable to resist the impulse to whine and had no self control or discipline.

Before I go on let me say that I dig kids. I love them. Want some of my own some day.

I wanted to smack these children.

We heard them coming before we saw them. The little girl, maybe 8, was screaming at her mother to give her a jacket. Then she would fake cry. Then her brother, maybe 9 or 10, shouted he wanted a mocha. When they turned the corner I saw two overly plump, Caucasian kids. The little girl grabbed the back of her mother's purse strings and pulled the woman to a hault!
"STOOPPP! I WANT IT NOOOWWW!" The little girl stomped her feet (so 1st grade darling!) and screamed...SCREAMED "IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE IT IS THEN YOU WILL BUY ME ANOTHER ONE FOR $100!" Then her brother punched her in the arm - she cried. He shouted to his mother, "I DON'T CARE. SHUT THE HELL UP!"

OMG. OMG. No he didn't. I looked at my father with eyes asking, "Did he just say that?"
My father whispered loudly in my ear, "Wonder who's fault that is?"
I said to him, "I am this close to going over there and talking to that little girl."
Dad: "Nah. Don't bother. It's none of your business."

We heard more screaming and whining while waiting for our coffees. We noticed the disgusted looks on everyone's faces. One woman looked at me and said, "That family needs to be on Nanny 911!"

As we left my Dad said, "I hope they're not on our plane!"

They were. With Grande Mocha Frappes and whipped cream.

So after I heard the report on Morning Edition about executive function and child's play...I thought of those two kids. Maybe unplug them from the video game console, open the door and tell them to play. With what? Their imagination. Have them make their own rules, follow them, learn some self regulation and contemplation.

Then offer some help to the mother.

Am I being too harsh here? My COMMENTS has taken a vacation...I'm looking into where it went so in the meantime, email me your thoughts for posting sramella@wsu.edu


FROM ROBIN RILETTE
Sueann,



About seven years ago I was in Tacoma visiting my best friends from college. At the time they had a four year old, Eva, and a two year old. Eva was on a play date with another little girl. Their youngest was napping upstairs. Lynn and I were sitting on the front porch when the mother drove up in her van with Eva and her little friend. Everyone got out of the van and congregated on the sidewalk for goodbyes. Everything was going swimmingly until Eva wanted her stuffed animal back. The other little girl then proceeded to pitch a fit of monumental proportions. Eva didn’t grab the toy, she didn’t punch the other little girl or scream at her she just wanted her toy back. The little girl would have none of it. Lynn and I stood there, almost transfixed, by what happened next.



First, the mother started pleading with the little girl. “_________, please, please, please give back the toy to Eva. Please listen to mommy, honey.” You get the idea. All the time the little girl is screaming her head off, crying and flailing around. The highlight came when she took off down the street carrying Eva’s toy with her mom chasing after her saying, “Honey, please stop. Please listen to Mommy. Please give Eva back her toy.” At this point, I had retreated to the safety of the porch to watch the horror unfold before me. Eventually, the girl was persuaded to give up the toy and persuaded to get in the van. It took quite some time.



After they left and Eva had calmed down and gone upstairs for a nap Lynn came back outside and sat down on the porch with me. There was a long silence. Then she said, “Robin, what do you think of what just happened?” I hesitated and finally said, “I’m not a parent, so I don’t feel qualified to say anything.” “I really want to know what you think,” replied Lynn. “Well,” I replied, I have a question. Who was in charge? Because it certainly wasn’t the mom.” I’ll never forget that mother following that child, pleading and literally begging for her cooperation.



I told Lynn that my mom was not perfect, but I know that I would never have been allowed to behave in that manner. My mom would have firmly grabbed my arm, pulled the toy away from me, told me in no uncertain terms that the toy was NOT mine, would have made ME give it back and if I’d whined and continued crying would have swatted me on the behind, put me in the car and driven away. My mother was in charge and I needed her to be in charge. I also needed her to teach me how to control myself, how to return borrowed objects and how to be respectful.



Okay, I feel better. J



By the way, my friend Lynn and her husband Jeff are excellent parents. They are loving, firm, compassionate and disciplined and are teaching these qualities to their children who are a pleasure to be around. Their Auntie Robin loves them dearly.



Robin