Monday, July 11, 2011

Nothing is free in this world, except...

Today was free slurpee day at 7-11! Did you get yours? Don't get TOO excited, because it's only 7 ounces (good size for a toddler...maybe). Hey, it's the thought that counts, though. I really enjoyed it on a hot day like today. I got Blue Raspberry, and it was dee-lish!


The free slurpee got me thinking. There really aren't many things in this world that are really, truly free. I mean, there's "buy one get one free" sales, and then there's "buy this product and you get a free [insert cheap item here]!" Sometimes, you can get a free lunch, but it usually implies that next time, it's your treat.

Luckily, though, there ARE some things in this world that are totally, 100% FREE.

EXHIBIT A:
DUMPSTER DIVER DISCOUNT!
Hose Reel Box - FREE!
(sells for around $50 in stores)

EXHIBIT B:
DUMPSTER DIVER DISCOUNT!
Fire Pit - FREE!
(sells for over $100 in stores)


EXHIBIT C:
DUMPSTER DIVER DISCOUNT!
Handmade Wooden Cradle - FREE!

* Note, I intend to spray paint this with some beige crackle, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Also, I know that the flowers are half-dead. I am the world's worst gardener and should probably just stop trying.

What I've learned from these experiences is to (a) pay close attention while driving through neighborhoods on garbage days, because it's definitely NOT all "garbage!" (b) get up early. Whether or not you believe it, a lot of people do this. I actually have seen people pull up to "garbage pick" something two seconds before me. This one person picked up a BEAUTIFUL oak bookshelf that I wanted for my classroom. Oh, well. You win some, you lose some. Finally, (c) have no shame. It's people who paid full price who should be ashamed.

So...are there any other closet "pickers" out there? Let me know the coolest thing you ever got for FREE!

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris

8 comments:

  1. Don't forget mosquito bites. You don't have to pay for those. Also, herpes is free. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

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  2. Oh, gosh. THIS IS A FAMILY SITE, MR. TRIEBEL! Also, I miss your cynical humor at school.

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  3. My sincere apologies. I will try to restrain my inappropriate humor in the future.

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  4. NO! I feel like I'm going to be missing some great moments, now.

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  5. Oh we have garbage picked some real treasures over the years...too many to name! The BEST is when you garbage pick something and then turn around and sell it a your own garage sale! Nothing like turning over a profit with somebody else's garbage!

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  6. So glad this blog is happening BTW :) I've gotten a tea cart, fancy wooden chair, bookshelves, books, the list goes on I loved garbage picking in Israel I can't wait to do it here!

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  7. Seriously, where are you driving around that you find such things!? lol

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