That's the short answer. As they (they as in those commercials on television for meds) say, ya don't do all the "usual" stuff when you're depressed. No, I'm not clinically depressed like I need medication or anything, just kind of really bummed out.
It all started with realizing the sheer volume of stuff everyone throws away! Seriously. I know, I know, you think I am crazy, well, you know I am crazy, but that kind of realization truly is boggling my mind. Damn, I am only one person, and can only do so much! One item at a time, I know I CAN make a difference.
Next, I cleaned some rental houses. Nothing to bring you to reality than cleaning someone else's toilets. A house also that I cleaned had pet smell to the 9th degree! I'd mop a section and it would just seep up through the floor again. Gosh. I kept telling myself to just suck it up and at least I have the opportunity to make a few bucks, others don't! Then I got an eye infection, had to wear my glasses, probably from the other's toilets. Didn't matter it just added to the sinking feeling.
Then, people are sick. Sick with cancer, mersa, and the not so serious but kind of scary, the flu! Jeesh. I don't have a job (I think I was depressed before I lost my job, but it sure didn't help) but I am healthy. That is a really great thing. No really, it is a really GREAT thing. I am so very lucky.
I was so excited yesterday to get my braces off... Silly for a 44 year old woman to be so excited for such a thing, but I WAS! I was giddy. It was a nice feeling. Okay not such a great picture, but hey, no braces. Can you see how one eye is smaller than the other? That's left over from when I had Bell's palsy... ya know when one half of your face is paralyzed due to damage to the 7th cranial nerve. Wonder who Bell was. JK
So, as far as recycling, I have done some stuff and even though it's not saving the planet, it really is, even if it is small. I must remember just that.
- 5 Pkg of paper plates, never opened in plastic.
- 2 Pkg of dinner size napkins (probably 500 in each pkg)
- Note: both of these things I would never buy... too wasteful.
- Pillow Radio (Yep, sold it on Ebay)
- I always pick up cans everywhere. From the trash, street, office trashcans, anywhere.
- 5 pk of diet coke
- Lots of bottles, cups, etc of recyclable containers discarded on the streets - I then make sure they go to Rumpke for proper recycling.
- Toner Cartridge - turned it into Staples for cold hard cash. Thanks to my sister who got me hip to that! Everyone send your tips on my way - i'll pass them on too. Really. I do want comments and tips! In fact, send me some note that you actually read this and it's not going to cyber space and I am wasting my time. :-)
- Placed a suit case outside of a trash can and someone else hauled it away. I do that a lot. Place it outside of the can so it is visible to someone else.
- Two bra's that had the tags on them still. Clean, new, and designer labels.
Keep up the hard recycling work YOU do. Maybe no one tells you thank you. Please tell yourself, I know it's corny but each of us can do a lot to help the problem. Really!
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6 comments:
Since I posted this today, I've received one phone call and one email about it.... Neither of them I can convey to you but I wish I could. HINT.. please post your comments here so others can enjoy your wisdom and/or humor! Please...
Ok, here goes.
First, feeling bummed out is something I am glad you pay attention to. And yes, we can hang out more often. I know all the ins and outs of being down.
Second, I am thankful that you are doing your part to make the world a better place. The things that get me down are related to children's issues---children close to me and those far away who I will never meet. Your blog, your recycling, my concern for children are all little things that will add up.
Third, what I am most struck by is the wonderful example you are setting and the lessons you are teaching Michael and Sidney.
Keep on keeping on.
Did the bras fit?
I think a key to increased participation is to find the conservation that works for you. It might be reducing purchases, buying local, used or recycled, but don't beat yourself for not doing everything!
Tessa
Dang-nabbit! I just finished composing a really thoughtful Pulitzer-worthy post to your post here that extolled a myriad of your most-awesomeness... only to be erased (you know how that happens once in a while when u click "post" or whatever?!) Anyway, let me recompose meself and slip me socks back on that were blown off when my text disappeared. LOL. I say blah.
So... as I had said: I (and everyone else who reads your blog here surely feels) that you do a most excellent job at conveying MUCH more good than you realize. Your kids, us, that nosey neighbor, and Mr. What'sHisName around the block that always happens to be there when you walk by... ALL are positively affected by your work and example. I've thoroughly enjoyed witnessing your insanity.. I mean skill at recycling in person when I've visited! :) Seriously, you are definitely a great example for all of us and you encourage us even more when you write about your journeys here on this blog. What can I say, I think you're GRAND. (Ok... insert 5-100 more incredibly funny/witty comments and you'd have what I wrote earlier. LOL) Love ya lots!!!... and keep up the great work. -Will
Yes, Tessa, the bras did fit! they are the bomb too!
I don't think you are crazy Diane, and yes you can make a difference. If we all would think on the same lines, the world may be better. Keep doing what you feel must be done.
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