In the medical world there is all kinds of trash created for patient care. The problem is it’s all disposable, none gets reused and for good reason. The thought of reusing needles, catheters, gauze pads, sutures, and everything else is just gross. There is a difference, however, between medical trash and people trash. As good as it is for you, medical trash you never want to see again, but people trash we embrace for all the wrong reasons.
My Grandmother Lawson, aka, “Snatch,” was a hoarder. Like many folks living in The Depression she hung on to junk as a form of currency. When I was younger I couldn’t figure out her junk’s economic value to anyone. Give me a break, what would you trade for dust covered clothing from the 1940’s? Nevertheless, when she passed we inherited her junk and stuffed it into The Cabin next door. One Spring high school weekend Tom McCarthy and I set out to clean her junk out of The Cabin to turn it into a party house. Amongst all the crap we discovered an old bottle of German wine. Tom immediately shouted, “Let’s drink it now!” For some odd reason I didn’t feel comfortable doing that, so I wrapped it up as a joke for my Dad’s birthday. When he opened it, he stared at for a long time, and said with a big smile, “I carried this back from World War II in my duffel bag.” Sometimes we find treasures in our trash, but most of the time we discover it’s just garbage.
Our biggest trash problem is people trash; specifically people who are trash. They come in all shapes and sizes and all walks of life including relatives. I have a 5 second trash rule; I can tell in 5 seconds after meeting someone whether they’re trash. The mystery of people trash, however, is everyone else recognizes they’re trash, everyone but you. For some reason or another we want to keep people trash with us although they have zero value and stink up your life. To a fault, we pick through their messes and rationalize “it’s not that bad”; or “they’ll get better” when you know they never do. In Nature I’ve never seen rotten fruit suddenly become fresh again; the same is true of rotten people. I believe most people are good, but rotten people ooze their way in and bring other garbage with them. So, when you’re cleaning out the junk in your garage keep going and get rid of your people trash. By their nature they will put up a stink when you wheel them out to curbside, but put a clothes pin on your nose and move forward. It will be the best thing you can ever do for your health and happiness. Besides, they’ll quickly find a home somewhere else. “What is that stench? It’s fantastic!” – The Grinch Slainte.
Excellent observation!! Enjoyed this article immensely!! It’s a keeper…
You are an excellent observer of people I’ve noticed over the years, and sometimes you just have to clean house! Just a quick look can often discern something worthwhile, sometimes not. But moving forward is the best. My dad used to say “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure “, true and funny! Stay well!
Oh boy Mr. Pete you have nailed it with this one. I reread all of your blogs when I get the time but I think I’ll read this one daily and maybe memorize it for good measure. I cannot believe you mentioned the Grinch in this.. and I’ll tell you why next time I see you…but you are so wise it’s scary!! I guess cockroaches have the bb syndrome (that’s kid talk for big brain). I have been a fool for rotten fruit for quite some time. I thought you could still pick good parts out…but that stinky shit just oozes out all over your hands and makes them smell. Lesson learned (the hard way…but learned). That depression must have really been life changing…because when my grandmother passed she had back stock of everything…and told me how they ate potato’s for months on end. When my dad and I cleaned out her house after she passed she had 20 of everything… lipsticks…shoes…cleaning supplies…etc. I think five years after she passed I was still using her windex. Thank you for the clarity…I needed it more than you know. ❤️ Slainte Mr. Pete! 🍀🪳❤️
Do you think that’s why we sort trash? Each ‘piece’ has its own place? 🤔Great post.
Curious – not very familiar with types of beer, so is it coming in or going out? 🍻
And that’s where the bear shits in the buckwheat! Love it!
I’m thinking along the lines of Mr. Croak. Glad to be still sitting in the garage and not hauled to the street yet. !!
Pete- I would assume if we are receiving your Cockroach email, that we passed the sniff test for trash.
John,
You passed, but there was a great debate at the Lower Committee level. All good though. How’s everything in the great state of Oklahoma?
Pete
Amen!!!!!!!
Great advice as always 🪳