2015 July 22: This is more of a journal entry than an artistic posting ...so for any who are only interested in my art/photography, please return tomorrow when I resume my nature photos!
Although this is a rather stark departure from my normal postings, I include this in my "365" because it is as much a part of my "real life" as all the birds, butterflies, and flowers that I enjoy posting:
Today (Wednesday) was garbage collection day in my neighborhood. My area has rather strict enforcement of its garbage collection policies: Pick-up is one day each week ...only regular household kitchen items (bagged) allowed ...By 6:00 a.m. on collection day the can must be at the street within a certain distance from the curb and facing the correct direction ...the lid must be closed with nothing outside the can. Each household only gets 1 can without paying extra.
We have been quite puzzled for several weeks to find our across-the-street neighbor's garbage can in the middle of our driveway each Wednesday. We wondered if they were placing it there unaware that the garbage truck goes down both sides of the street (and that we use our driveway!), or perhaps the garbage truck driver was getting confused and putting it in our yard after he emptied it. Our neighbors work very long hours, so we were not able to find them at home at a convenient time to ask. I decided that today I would watch to solve the mystery.
I went outdoors bright and early to weed my yard while I observed ...and soon noticed that the garbage truck emptied my neighbor's can just as he was leaving. They put my neighbor's can right back in his yard. I rejoiced that he now must know where to place his can, and that the garbage collectors must know where to put it back. Problem solved, I happily thought.
I moved over to weed another part of my yard, and (hearing a car) glanced up to notice the wife leave. Walking to the front of my yard several minutes later, I was dismayed to find that she had refilled their garbage can and brought it over to the middle of my driveway for the collectors to empty when they came back down the street ...evidently the neighbors have been getting two-for-the-price-of-one without wondering if we minded their garbage can being left in our yard all day, and without a care as to whether or not we would be charged for the extra can pick-up!
My husband and I were both raised by pacifist, peace-at-any-price parents -- so it took all my courage to drag the neighbor's still-full garbage can back across the street and place it in their driveway! (Shown in this photo)
This photo is a reminder to me that I am not a door-mat; my life is not a venue for other people's garbage. I don't know how this situation will turn out, but this is a small victory for me; for now I am going to savor it.
Whoa!!! First, your garbage pick up is quite anal!!! Ours comes once a week and doesn't matter how many cans you have as long as it is bagged!! It's not because we live in the country it is this way for the entire county we live in. In your case, I am not the pacifist type and never have been. Had it been me, I would have dragged the garbage can back into her driveway and emptied the contents out!! Then let her say something to me!!! I have been this way forever as my mom was a pacifist and it drove me crazy! Never say anything to anyone or disrupt the cart to make anyone mad at her. She was walked on a lot until I became old enough to speak up for her. I know there were times I probably embarrassed her, but I always seen a smile on her face later. It isn't about being a pacifist, it's about standing up for yourself, it's about as you say, not letting people use you for a door-mat!! I'm proud of you to stand up and not take such rude and inconsiderate manners from your neighbor!! Good for you!!! FAV for your efforts and the photo of your victory!!
Kathy, I love, love, love your attitude! I know exactly what you mean about your mom ...maybe that generation was brought up to not make anyone mad at them. Because my parents were such door-mats, when my sons were young I spoke up a lot and at times was labeled "unreasonable," but now that I no longer need to protect my sons I have reverted back to second-guessing myself and trying not to offend people. I'm coming to the conclusion that it is better just to be myself and let the chips fall where they may.
@dsp2 Kathy always has a sense of what is right, that is what I love about her (and the hummingbirds she captures) Now I MUST know how the drama ended!!!
@Candace I totally agree with your comment; Kathy has a wonderful sense of right and also has a lot of insight into a subject-matter that is a mystery to me: People! I definitely plan to do updates as the situation unfolds.
@ribbet9@dsp2 You two are way too nice!! I was labeled "The Bad Seed" in my family!! Still am, but I have never cared enough to change. I'm going to be one of those old crotchety ladies that the kids will be afraid of!!! LOL LOL
July 24th, 2015
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Paul, I believe that you are correct.
Kathy, I love, love, love your attitude! I know exactly what you mean about your mom ...maybe that generation was brought up to not make anyone mad at them. Because my parents were such door-mats, when my sons were young I spoke up a lot and at times was labeled "unreasonable," but now that I no longer need to protect my sons I have reverted back to second-guessing myself and trying not to offend people. I'm coming to the conclusion that it is better just to be myself and let the chips fall where they may.
Anyway, thanks for your comments!