Sunday Sound-Off

Oh boy, it is Sunday again? This week has sure flown by. Last week I introduced a new thing that I'm doing every Sunday to put a handle on my griping and complaining. This week I would like to invite everyone to join in. Just complain one thing that's been bothering you, and then talk about three RELATED things for which you are grateful. All four things have be related in some way or another. So you can NOT complain about your boss, then be thankful for your family, the weather, and chocolate. You can, however, complain about your boss, then be thankful for your job, your co-workers, and that you're not unemployed.

My Sunday Sound-Off today has to do with freecycle. I love freecycle, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it really makes me want to rip my hair out. I'm talking about people that think whatever you're offering is theirs by default. They email their interest with nary a "please" or a "thanks", and just expect you to put up with their constant rescheduling. Or, even worse, they're no-call no-shows.

I really wish these few people would come to their senses and realize that they are ruining it for everyone. Someone who really could use the item and is prompt about pick-up is denied the chance. And they are doing a fine job at discouraging people from freecycling. I understand that everyone has a life and things do genuinely come up, but what really ticks me off are the people who just reschedule constantly or require an instant response to their email. I've actually had a lady email me 5 times in the span of one hour asking me to respond to her...I guess in her mind I have nothing to do but to sit in front of my computer 24/7 waiting for her emails and it didn't even occur to her that I might not be online at that present moment.

That being said though, I really do LOVE freecycle. It is the prime example of how one person's trash is another's treasure. I've gotten some things from freecycle that I love more than things I've bought, and I've given things away that others now cherish. It is the ultimate way to save money and keep things out of the landfills.

Most of the "regulars" on freecycle are the best people around IMHO. They are the most generous and selfless people. Through freecycle, I have met some great people. Another great benefit of freecycle is that it definately helps you learn your neighborhoods. With the price of gas the way it is, it's not exactly a frugal option to drive randomly around town seeing where certain roads take you. With freecycle, I have a set destination, but I get practice seeing which roads connect to which. Most people will also give you directions that inevitably turn into a short-cut around town.

Freecycle is one of the best inventions ever, but just like everything else in the world, it's not perfect. Even though I am more than willing to put up with those imperfections, I just wish some people would be more responsible and thoughtful.