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Junk Revolution Community » Inspire

1. 

   chiccottagejunk
   Member

   My son just bought his first house on the other side of the state and just got the keys yesterday evening. I was so excited for him and got to see it today. The house was beautiful, the yard was wonderful, he's on a very desired lake in the area and his boat is superb.

   But ya know what was almost just as good?!?! When I pulled into the driveway - there it was. It had my name all over it. I was frothing at the mouth. My Jeep Cherokee was full of furniture for him and soon would be empty. The pile of junk left at the curb from the previous owners was extraordinary!!! There was lots of wood trim and baseboard. Some vintage mirrors. A hanging basket with cocoa liner. Some wooden crutches. Some vintage handles from old shovels or rakes perhaps. There were two garbage cans full. I was looking at the junk, moving things around, etc, when my new-home-owner Son approached me. MOM - I don't even know the neighbors yet! Do you have to pick through that junk?!? (Of COURSE I have to - right). I kindly asked him if he'd rather that I DIDN'T go through it and his reply just killed me - MOM I don't want you to do that.

   DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO HOLD BACK??!?! So, we went for a ride on the boat and when I was leaving for the 2+ hour drive back home, I asked him if it was dark enough for me to grab some of the wood out of the pile. He said NO.

   I've never seen so much cool wood at the curb in my life...and probably never will again. Number one son is too proud for his own good - and MINE!!!

   Can you hear me crying?

   Sue

   Posted 3 years ago #
2. 

   Blossom Lane
   Member

   Sue,

   I guess there was a slim-to-none possibility of "grounding" Number One. A mom can pull rank, can't she? No Thanksgiving turkey? Fewer gifts under the Christmas tree? Oh yes, Yuletide has tons of leverage potential.

   You know all about my midnight madness! With that kind of "once in lifetime" loot at hand, I may swing back when El Numero Uno was asleep.

   I must admit my admiration for you. You, my junking friend, are a great mother.

   Greta

   Posted 3 years ago #
3. 

   gigi
   Member

   oh how dare that boy....you brought him into this world...you could take him out, huh?? ;)

   my family likes when the junk gets extra money for vacation or pays a bill but they tend to hide in shame and slowly slide down in the carseat, regardless what it does!!!

   SNOBS ANYHOW!! lol ;O

   Posted 3 years ago #
4. 

   chiccottagejunk
   Member

   Greta - I WOULD have swung by after dark, but I live 2.25 hours away and really needed to get on the road. As it was, I didn't get home until 11:30 pm. It was the first time I drove after dark after having Lasik surgery in June and I was a little nervous as it was - hoping that the "halos" around the oncoming headlights were not too much to handle on the 2+ hour drive.

   No grounding, no withholding gifts. He makes WAAAyyy more money than I ever did so money isn't really an issue with him. In fact, he is 27, spent 5 years in the Marines as an Air Traffic Controller (yes, in Iraq, Afghanistan & Kuwait) and now works at Detroit Metro. He's never been married, no children and basically no bills. He has handled his finances well and there's nothing Mumma can withhold - LOL!!

   Sorry to get off topic - bottom line - I did NOT get any goodies last night. : ( Speaking of goodies - I was thinking of you last night Greta. I thought we might change your name to Goodie Grabbin Greta ... but I love Garbage Grabbin Greta too!

   Sue

   Posted 3 years ago #
5. 

   dianeinthevalley
   Member

   Bummer, but there will always be a next time. There always is.
   I have a nephew in Afganistan now and his little brother will be going in December. They had both already done a tour in Iraq.
   My husband and I met in the Marines. He was an Avioncics Tech at Andrews Air Force Base and I was in Maintenance Admin in the reserves. A long long time ago in a far off distant land. :) Diane

   Posted 3 years ago #
6. 

   paintwife
   Member

   Sue, sorry to hear of your recent plight. Kids UGH!
   A few years ago my little darlings conspired and bought me this bumper sticker attached it to my truck without my knowledge..but I love it!
   I actually had a guy following me closely right into the gas station, jump out of his car, trot up and ask "Where'd you get your bumper sticker, I have to have one!"

   Linda

   

   Attachments

   1. bumper_sticker.jpg (61.7 KB, 0 downloads) 3 years old

   Posted 3 years ago #
7. 

   dianeinthevalley
   Member

   That is our purpose in life, to embarrass our kids. If they can handle us stopping in front of someones garbage and going to the door and asking if we can have the old windows, and having their friends ask them why their mom has a pile of wood scraps in the middle of the kitchen floor and still come out unscathed then our job is done. They will have the confidence to go out into the world and hold their own against any naysayer. :) Diane

   Posted 3 years ago #
8. 

   jillruth
   Member

   Funny bumper sticker--my 20 y/o and 17 y/o would have never let me take the dumpster treasures either!

   Posted 3 years ago #
9. 

   redneckChic
   Member

   Oh Sue...I'm in tears for you too...yet, laughing at the same time! LOL Kids...

   I haven't run into that problem yet with mine (he's only 14), but I'm sure my day is coming! Tell your son he has a whole community upset...maybe he'll grab stuff out for you! LOL

   And by-the-way, Congratulations on having such an accomplished child (well, except for in the junk department) - you should be SO PROUD!!!

   Posted 3 years ago #
10. 

    primstop
    Member

    Too funny...I have one that would have been embarrassed too! Just remember there will always be more junk somewhere, some other time. Although, I too would of been pining for all the treasures left behind. I would say having a having child who has succeeded in his dreams and wants to spend time with you is the treasure!
    Wishing you more free junk finds in your neck of the woods!!!
    Laurie :)

    Posted 3 years ago #
11. 

    Leveta
    Member

    A son to be proud of indeed...But I think I still would of had to load a few things reguardless...A little touch of humility never hurts anyone...lol

    Posted 3 years ago #
12. 

    SecondHandRosie
    Member

    The things we do for our kids.......(shaking head sadly and wishing I had been there to "aid and abet" for you! LOL)

    (Perhaps it could have been called "the doubleteaming Gretas!?) LOL

    Posted 3 years ago #
13. 

    thehillbillies
    Member

    oh Sue- tough spot... *grabs a tissue* maybe if you raised him to love you lots he grabbed some of it out of the garbage and will give it to you for your birthday or something... (i know, wishful thinking!)

    Posted 3 years ago #
14. 

    Leveta
    Member

    Hey you know that's a pretty go ideal...Go in 2's so one can do the dirty deed while the other draws the attenion away...I see a how to book here...

    Posted 3 years ago #
15. 

    robolady
    Member

    You should have gone back when he was asleep, and snuck it all away. He'd never know it was you.

    Margo

    Posted 3 years ago #
16. 

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    What a bunch of characters on this website! I love your duplicitous thoughts!

    Linda-- that bumper sticker is priceless! Your kids love you! Tailgaters will get a chuckle with that one!

    "Go in twos"...junkers sound like pack animals! Like lionesses lying in tall grass...crouched and waiting for the right moment to use the "distract and devour" method! Hilarious!

    "Garbage for your birthday!" Not only did I laugh at that...I thought of the potential of the idea. I need help.

    Sue-- Air traffic controller! Incredible! I have an uncle who retired from Miami International! His retirement is amazing! You sound like you raised a wonderful son. Few ever make a "controller" position. Tough stuff. He must have got his "brains" from you. And he served our country...Yup, he got your patriotism, too!

    So, I have a thought. He got so much from you...and now, you have got HIS NEIGHBORHOOD! This neighborhood sounds great...like a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed! Oh yes, I would definitely find out which day of the week is garbage day and plan my visits accordingly.

    He never has to know why you stay so late in the summer and leave so early in the winter...and why you always visit the night before trash "pick up". Total coincidence! Just try to shake him loose of your Cherokee's coordinates as you leave.

    Which reminds me...tonight is garbage night in MY neighborhood! A lady moved this past week..but hasn't sold her house. "Someone" mowed her grass the other evening. I wonder if this same "someone" will be tenderly placing her "No room on the truck... just trash it" items by the curb tonight? Ahhh, the anticipation.....

    Posted 3 years ago #
17. 

    Leveta
    Member

    LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!! I can see you clearly in my head...Mask and all...GGG strikes again....

    Posted 3 years ago #
18. 

    gigi
    Member

    late at putting in my 2 cents but chiccottagejunk....have i got a niece for your son!! :) smile! ;) wink!

    Posted 3 years ago #
19. 

    Leveta
    Member

    Hey I can go one better...A DD...LOL

    Posted 3 years ago #
20. 

    chiccottagejunk
    Member

    You gals are SO FuNnY!!!!! I've been cracking up while reading all of this. I'm sorry, but for those suggesting that I go back after dark - I couldn't because I live 2+ hours away. You can bet that I watched every driveway on the backroads to see if there were any goodies waiting for me but nothin'.

    Gigi and Leveta - courting your niece or DD might be a long commute! He IS a really nice catch though if you ask me! So is his brother - my youngest who is 24. Neither are dating or anywhere near being married (and I keep reminding them that you have to be MARRIED before you have children so I don't have any grands yet. I'm not pushing them either - not really ready to be a grandma yet I guess.

    Linda Paintwife - If you find your bumper sticker missing - you might try looking a few hours south of you! I might find your house and borrow it. I googled the sticker and this is one of the sites I just visited. Great gobs of cool buttons! http://www.stickergiant.com/family_funfamily_pg3

    Sue

    Posted 3 years ago #
21. 

    Leveta
    Member

    Hey Sue, my DD is pretty goodlooking and comes with 2 beautiful babies...But most likely i'd keep them and just give her...

    Posted 3 years ago #
22. 

    chiccottagejunk
    Member

    ROTFLMBO Leveta! That's too funny! How old is your DD? My son is almost 28.

    Posted 3 years ago #
23. 

    Leveta
    Member

    She's 25. Has longish highlighted hair and very blue eyes. Wears about a size 9-10 jean maybe smaller...She has had a job since I guess 15. Is divorced from a lazy Husband. But my babies are the cutest. Xavier is 3 and is going to preschool this month. Lilli is 2 and Ornery...They both have blues eyes and long dark lashes...

    Posted 3 years ago #
24. 

    Meadowview Farm
    Member

    After my son found his dad and I standing in a dumpster parked at the top of the hill in our old neighborhood...he knew there was no way to ever control us. I truly love to just keep him wondering...but also am just wise enough to know that as parents, we pick our battles. The very best of parents really listen and know when to not push the envelope. Sue...I am certain your son is just as proud of you!
    Kari

    Posted 3 years ago #
25. 

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    The Goodie-Grabber-Gone-Bad still says to make as many garbage night visits on the pretense of motherly devotion that your 2 1/2 hour lovely Lasik-healing eyes can manage.

    Earnestly bond then eagerly bound...with half his neighbor's cast offs in tow.

    Is it a gated community? I'd take the gate, too. HEE HEE

    Posted 3 years ago #
26. 

    csudderth
    Member

    What a quandry! It's kinda like going into a candy store when you're on a diet! Pure torture.
    Christy

    Posted 3 years ago #
27. 

    junxtaposition
    Member

    my wonderful son calls me this weekend (while i was away) to tell me he left me a present in the backyard. i couldnt imagine what it could be...turned out to be 5 six panel old doors !!! i loved them !! he said he was with his new girlfriend when he saw them at the curb and knew i would love them...he asked her "how do you feel about garbage picking?"....too funny !!! she aparently was not too fond of the idea...she staying in the truck and he hefted them all by himself...my good little boy !!1 ha ha...i said..just tell her "welcome to my world !"

    Posted 3 years ago #
28. 

    SecondHandRosie
    Member

    Junx, tell him that her aversion to garbage picking could affect her future MIL either way - the fact that she doesn't like it means that you wouldn't have that in common. The fact that she doesn't like it means that you wouldn't be in competition for every curb shopping site that the two of you might find! LOL

    Posted 3 years ago #
29. 

    mcnaughton
    Member

    Sue--What self-control you had. I would have been shoving that stuff in my vehicle as fast as I could. We all know we've provided enough material to put our kids on the couch...may as well have fun adding fuel to the fire!!! I think I might have offered to put on a disguise!!! My older daughter might feel uncomfortable with my loading junk into the car. The younger one, though, will cruise with me on trash day. We spy something, I pull up to the curb, she jumps out while I open the side van drive. Ta-da...another treasure! Sue, I'm wanting to leave a big pile of good junk at the end of your driveway as a consolation prize!

    Posted 3 years ago #
30. 

    fjerda
    Member

    Okay, I am LOL so hard at all these comments--the trick is you have to start them junking and working on projects when they are very small. My two grand nephews(8 & 11) and grand neice (4)have gotten into the habit of pointing out junk. They love to shop at GoodWill, Savers, etc. with us and GN is always asking what project are we going to do today

    Posted 3 years ago #
31. 

    paintwife
    Member

    Sue, I checked out that website and 'bout choked. I loved the one that said "raising children is a lot like being pecked to death by chickens"

    Linda

    Posted 3 years ago #
32. 

    cowpalace
    Member

    My oldest daughter understands my obsession with junk. For one of my birthdays, she went to Goodwill and filled a basket with 'stuff.' I LOVED pawing my way through that treasure!! My other two children are mortified when I want to stop and pick something up off the curb. I consider 'junk' a challenge. How can I reinvent it/use it? And when it's free? Oh, I can't resist!!

    Posted 3 years ago #
33. 

    Leveta
    Member

    I like that saying too... My sister said that about a week or so ago...

    Posted 3 years ago #
34. 

    Leveta
    Member

    I have my GK's everyday while their mom works. Huhhhh what are these spots on my armmmm...OH NO!!! Peck marks....Today they runamuck...

    Posted 3 years ago #
35. 

    Dianne
    Member

    Sue, my oldest daughter didn't marry until she was 30. Her husband was 33 (he had a very short marriage when he was 18. no kids) They have been married now for eight years and have two lovely children and a very happy marriage. My oldest son and his wife went together in middle and high school. Both of their fathers were military and were transferred. They got back together many years later on classmates.com. By that time they were both in their early thirties and had been looking for each other. They married in October of 2006 and have a beautiful 2 year old daughter.
    I also have a 22 year old son and a 23 year old daughter and neither is even thinking about getting married. I've told them I don't think it hurts to wait until thirty. My two oldest children both say they are glad they waited.

    Dianne.

    Posted 3 years ago #
36. 

    Leveta
    Member

    That is a great story. I'm a firm believer that if it's ment to be it will be no matter what. I have a close friend who has 2 kids(one of each) whom I believe are later 20's to early 30's. She's done gave up on GK's. Neither one is in any hurry to marry or marry at all...

    Posted 3 years ago #

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